Manistee County Says No to ORVs on Roads

based on news articles in the Ludington Daily News, April 28, 29, 2009

In a 5-2 vote the Manistee County Board of Commissioners defeated the proposal to allow ORVs on road shoulders in the county. If counties do not make a decision on this issue before July 17, 2009 then townships will be able to make their own decisions on the question.

Ed Haik, Public Safety Committee chairman said that the state ordinance has some troubling inclusions. For example, in places where there is no road shoulder the slower, smaller ORVs will be mixed with regular vehicular traffic. He pointed out that it would even allow for hovercraft to use the shoulders.

The two Manistee Commissioners voting for allowing ORVs were Carl Rutski (SE city of Manistee) and Ken Hilliard (Onekama and northern townships). The meeting was crowded with spectators, but only about six members of the audience spoke. Five favored allowing ORVs, and one opposed.

Even in counties where the measure passes, up to 30% of roads can be excluded for safety or environmental reasons. However, such roads must be signed. Of course, signs cost money.

In follow-up to this issue in Mason County, a vote has not yet been made. Pere Marquette Township is urging the Commissioners to vote yes

See County ORV Ordinances
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