Lake City Leaders Push for $10 Million in State Funding for M-66/M-55 Corridor Repairs

Lake City Mayor Craig Ardis and Interim City Administrator Pat Smith recently met with State Representative Ken Borton to advance a previously submitted application for critical road repairs in the city. The proposed project seeks $10 million in state funding to address deteriorating infrastructure along the heavily traveled M-66 and M-55 corridor through downtown Lake City.

On July 23, Mayor Ardis and Rep. Borton testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity, outlining the urgent need for improvements due to aging infrastructure, high traffic volumes, and pedestrian safety concerns. The subcommittee will now forward the matter to the full House Appropriations Committee for review and vote. Final approval will require support from both chambers of the state legislature and the governor.

The existing highway, which sees over 12,000 vehicles daily during peak summer months, is a composite road—built with concrete underneath a layer of asphalt. Over time, the concrete joints require individual repair to prevent surface cracking. Ironically, the process of cutting and repairing joints creates new ones, which often deteriorate faster than the originals, resulting in a rough, uneven road surface. Large trucks, a common presence in Lake City, exacerbate the problem by creating vibrations at each joint, further compromising the road.

In addition to road repairs, the project includes replacing outdated storm drains with a modern system designed to filter runoff and protect the health and ecosystem of Lake Missaukee for future generations.

Mayor Ardis also emphasized pedestrian safety during his testimony, highlighting planned improvements such as bump-outs and crosswalks to protect pedestrians navigating downtown and accessing Miltner Park and the lakefront.

Rep. Borton confirmed that this Lake City infrastructure project is his top funding priority within his district.