Back on July 23, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Thomas F. Middleton securing $3,222 for the City of the Village of Clarkston through the county’s Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) to help with the repaving of North Holcomb Road.
“It is great to have the opportunity to collaborate with the City of the Village of Clarkston to help with funding local road repairs,” Middleton said. “Safe roadways have a positive impact on both residents and businesses in the community.”
Middleton represents the 4th County Commission District, which includes Clarkston, as well as portions of Independence and Waterford townships.
The LRIP provides limited financial assistance to Oakland County cities and villages for repairs and improvements on roadways under their jurisdiction, and ensures that the county investment in roads is multiplied by requiring local municipalities to match funding from the county.
“Clarkston is extremely grateful for the recent allocation of funds through the Local Road Improvement Program,” Clarkston City Manager Jonathan Smith said. “These funds will augment city funds to help repair North Holcomb Road.”
Launched in 2016, the LRIP has driven an estimated $89 million investment in local roads across the county, and is an effective means for encouraging investment in local roads, which continue to be underfunded by the State of Michigan, resulting in poor road conditions, which negatively impact safety, quality of life and economic development in the region, according to a press release from Middleton’s office.

— Matt Mackinder