How We Do It

Kent County Road Commission – How is KCRC financed?

Taxes from fuel on gas and diesel combined with fees from vehicle registration comprise the major sources of revenue for the Kent County Road Commission. KCRC does not receive revenue from property taxes, nor does it receive allocation from the County of Kent. The statewide revenue from fuel tax and vehicle registration is placed into the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF), from which funds are distributed by formula to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), counties, and cities and villages.

  • Michigan Transportation Fund The largest source of revenue for KCRC is the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF). This statewide fund is supported by taxes on the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel as well as the fees collected by the Secretary of State for vehicle registrations.
  • Federal and State Grants The next largest source of revenue for KCRC is Federal and State Grants for road and bridge improvements. The grant funding process is administered by the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC). From year to year, there have been substantial changes in the number, scope, and cost of projects funded by grants. Over the last several years, KCRC has secured approximately 35% of available grant funds to this area.
  • Contributions from Local Government include funds that the townships of Kent County contribute toward construction and other road improvements. Over the last three years, these contributions have trended upward as townships are investing more in road improvements and pavement preservation treatments to maintain roads in good condition.
  • State Trunkline Maintenance Contract While revenue from the State Trunkline Contract has remained relatively constant over the last five years, the manner in which these funds are used has changed considerably. Currently, more of those revenues are being used to support winter maintenance operations rather than routine summer maintenance activities because of the higher cost of items such as fuel, salt, and equipment.
  • Other Revenue represents the smallest source of funding to KCRC. This category consists of a variety of revenue-generating activities including: sale of excess equipment, material sales such as salt.