Five residents to receive cash for car repairs due to potholes every month
As Michigan enters peak pothole season, drivers across the state are once again facing costly vehicle damage caused by deteriorating roads. To raise awareness and push for action from state leaders, Fix MI State is launching the ‘Pothole Payback’ contest, offering motorists a chance to receive compensation for repairs caused by Michigan’s crumbling infrastructure.
Now through June, Michigan residents can submit stories and photos of pothole-related vehicle damage for a chance to win cash toward repairs. Each month, up to five winners will be selected based on the severity of the damage, with each winner receiving up to $758 – the average cost of vehicle repairs due to poor road conditions, as reported in the 2024 TRIP Report.
“Michigan is heading straight for a road funding cliff that threatens thousands of construction jobs, and our leaders must take action before it’s too late,” said Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association. “Our roads are crumbling, and Michiganders deserve real, lasting solutions. While the legislature fails to act, we’re shining a light on this crisis and helping families with car repairs.”
Michigan residents are encouraged to submit their pothole photos through an entry form provided by Fix MI State. Each month, the campaign will select up to five entries showing the most severe damage to receive financial assistance for repairs.
“We know the road industry is doing all they can to fix our roads given current funding and resources. The Pothole Payback contest will remind our lawmakers of the depth of our road maintenance problems and the pain drivers face when they receive a new bill for skyrocketing car repair costs,” said Coppersmith.
A nine-bill road funding package passed the Michigan House of Representatives in March, and industry experts, business and community leaders, and politicians on both sides of the aisle agree that the state needs to pass a long-term, equitable and sustainable road funding plan before the end of this year.
The contest submission form with more information about rules and guidelines can be found here.
More information about the state’s infrastructure needs can be found at FixMiState.org.
