WARREN, Mich. – Warren Mayor Jim Fouts took Michigan Department of Transportation officials on a tour Friday of the Interstate 696 service drive that runs through the city.
Mayor Fouts says citizens have been complaining about what is truly a growing problem.
More: Warren mayor blames state for blight
"I have received numerous complaints and I have shared some with you from residents who are very upset with the poor maintenance on the expressway," Fouts said.
Fouts went on a walking tour of the I-696 service drive with Drew Buckner of MDOT to show him areas where weeds have grown up to six feet high. Fouts said the weeds create an eyesore and possible danger.
"It harbors rats, it can harbor other things as well and the expressway just needs to be cleaned up," Fouts said.
MDOT's Drew Buckner said the state does not have the cash right now to clear all the weeds, but he said MDOT is open to the suggestion from mayor Fouts that Warren city crews clear the weeds and have the state pay for the cleanup.
"We have always worked together with the city of Warren on many initiatives so we are working right now," Buckner said.
Discussions between MDOT and the city of Warren could result in clearing of the weeds within the next several weeks.