When I went back recently to visit friends, it was apparent MDOT has just given up. I live in Atlanta now, which is fast-topping Los Angeles for car exhaust smog, but potholes aren't even an issue. Georgia dedicates car tag and tax revenues to its road fund instead of putting it into the general fund. Also, road work is scheduled for weekends to cut down on traffic delays. But we don't have unions down here.
Federal grants are available and some of the mixes are very promising.
I'm a native Michigander living in Massachusetts. I am very aware of what winter weather can do to roads. Massachusetts has the same freezing weather which results in potholes and frost heaves, but unlike Michigan, the roads and highways are repaired throughout the seasons. In Detroit, a city with little for mass transit, home of the auto, the condition of the roads should reflect the concern and pride of motorists. It seems that Gov. Engler has no pride, nor concern for the safety of his constituents or any other Michigan resident.