Michigan governor to OK $175 million boost in road spending

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is poised to sign legislation that will boost spending on roads and bridges.

The $175 million increase is 7 percent above existing spending. The Republican governor will sign the bill Tuesday.

The planned move comes as frustrated motorists continue to face deteriorating, pothole-ridden roads.

Snyder and lawmakers approved a long-term $1.2 billion transportation funding boost in 2015, through a mix of higher fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees and fund shifts. But the plan is being phased in over a number of years and the term-limited governor's infrastructure commission has said at least $2.2 billion more is needed annually.

Republicans who control the Legislature have urged patience, saying it will take time to smooth the roads after years of disinvestment.