—[ CHAPTER 6 ]—
CRA’s membership dues, contributions and dues from associate members, and event fees support the organization, which is a private nonprofit association chartered under Michigan law. CRA is a formal, highly-networked association with four sectional associations, nine regional councils and 13 standing committees. Committee appointees and chair positions are selected by CRA’s incoming president, in part according to nominations from the regional associations. The CRA members lead the sectional associations, regional councils and standing committees, with staff support from the Association. CRA provides educational services for its members and represents member interests in the Michigan Legislature and in the policymaking and administrative decisions of the MSTC and MDOT. • CRASIF, MCRCSIP County road commissions also have the option to obtain road commission-specific self-insurance services through two sister organizations: The County Road Association Self-Insurance Fund (CRASIF) and the Michigan County Road Commission SelfInsurance Pool (MCRCSIP). • STATE LEGISLATORS Individual road commissions and their regional organizations have an important role in building support on policy issues being addressed in Lansing. Commissioners should be in contact with their state representatives and senators, keeping them informed on the impact current and proposed policies are having on the county road agency and the local road system, among other interests. The interests of cities and villages won’t always coincide with CRC or MDOT interests. Working together at the community level first can help identify win-win arrangements, which are very helpful in advancing helpful policy in Lansing. Conversely, disagreements and inability to resolve issues locally can lead to the Michigan Legislature making blanket decisions on county road concerns. 80
Michigan County Road Commissioners Handbook