MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A west Michigan boy is getting attention and thanks for taking matters into his own hands to deal with potholes.

WZZM-TV reports 12-year-old Monte Scott recently used dirt from his backyard to even out a street near his Muskegon Heights home, saying he "didn't want people messing up their cars like my mom did."

Trinell Scott said her son, who had a half day of school last Wednesday, "took it upon himself" to fix potholes on Maffett Street, near Summit. He noted that repairing a pothole-damaged vehicle can cost hundreds of dollars.

By early Monday, the inspiring clip had garnered tens of thousands of views, nearly 2,000 shares and supportive replies by the dozen.

"That young man is gonna make something of himself!" Nick Parmer commented, while John Sturm chimed in: "Great job. Maybe the town will see this and get the roads done. Keep up the great work."

Reports say the boy has already filled 15 potholes on his street.

While not a long-term fix, Monte Scott's work comes amid attention to the issue of crumbling roads across Michigan as the governor and legislators try to find ways to pay for road improvements.

While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a 45 cent gas tax hike, the idea has been largely panned by Republican lawmakers and Michigan residents alike.