Michigan § 247.661a - Use of agricultural additives pilot program; report to legislature.

(1) As provided in this section, the department must implement a pilot program on the use of agricultural additives to control ice on public roads, highways, and bridges in this state and to review the potential efficacy and environmental impacts of agricultural additives, while maintaining the safety and mobility of the motoring public.

(2) At a minimum, the pilot program described in subsection (1) must be designed to study liquid-only plow routes and must do all of the following:

(a) Identify and utilize methods for the use of agricultural additives, including, but not limited to, liquid sugar beet by-products, that promote surface adhering and reduce the freezing point of applied substances.

(b) Examine results from expanded use of agricultural additives, including, but not limited to, potential environmental and fiscal impacts.

(c) Develop best practices and technical guidelines for the use of agricultural additives, and for the expansion of the use of agricultural additives in the pilot program.

(d) Convey program information and guidance to local road agencies.

(e) Use agricultural additives in at least 3 test locations, each containing public roads, highways, and bridges that may be impacted by corrosion and a body of water that may be impacted by other commonly used deicers.

(f) Include collaboration with at least 1 local road agency.

(3) Not later than June 30, 2025, the department must submit a report on the pilot program to the members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation. At a minimum, the report must summarize all of the following:

(a) Pilot program activity.

(b) Review results.

(c) Potential best practices for the statewide use of agricultural additives based on the results of the pilot program.