A report from a Washington, D.C.-based coalition that shows 21 percent of the state's bridges as "structurally deficient," would essentially cost every driver in Michigan about $226 without funding changes.

"Michigan is using 100 percent of federal bridge funds for repairs to aging infrastructure," said Anita Richardson, Michigan Department of Transportation spokeswoman.

"In 2007, over 90 percent of our bridges were in good condition, but they are reaching the end of their design life," Richardson said.
In 2008, Michigan spent $166 million repairing bridges, using 24.5 percent federal funds, Richardson said. The national average is 13.5 percent.

"Our funding comes from the gasoline tax and registration fees put in place about 50 to 60 years ago, when cars got about eight to 10 miles per gallon," said Brian Wendling, managing director of the Saginaw County Road Commission. "A lot has changed since then."

The 19-cents-per-gallon of gasoline tax provides the Road Commission with a half-cent per gallon for bridge work.