RELEASE: What’s in the Budget to Upgrade Michigan’s Infrastructure?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2023

What’s in the Budget to Upgrade Michigan’s Infrastructure?

LANSING, Mich – Governor Whitmer has worked with legislators to pass a balanced, bipartisan state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 focused on growing the economy, lowering costs, delivering on kitchen-table issues, and helping anyone “Make it in Michigan.” The budget includes major investments in roads and bridges, transit, clean energy, water and electric vehicle infrastructure.

“Michiganders deserve safe, reliable infrastructure from the roads they drive on to the pipes they get their water from,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have made record progress fixing the damn roads and upgrading all kinds of water infrastructure. This budget will build on our historic efforts, repairing bridges, installing chargers, replacing lead pipes, and so much more. Let's keep working together to invest in infrastructure so every community can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Since Governor Whitmer took office through the end of this year’s construction season, Michigan will fix nearly 20,000 lane miles of road and over 1,400 bridges, supporting 118,000 good-paying jobs. In the FY24 Budget, the legislature and the governor are not only focused on fixing the damn roads and bridges, but also making critical investments in all kinds of infrastructure, building on the more than $2 billion in federal resources sent to Michigan from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The FY 2024 budget will fix dozens of bridges, install electric vehicle chargers, replace thousands of lead service lines, and make a real difference for millions of Michiganders who rely on safe infrastructure every day. The budget also makes investments to help keep the lights on during storms by upgrading the grid; help local governments install chargers so locals can find electric vehicle charging options in their towns; and shore up bus, rail, and other transit systems.

“I applaud Governor Whitmer and the state Legislature for making investments in the state budget that will directly benefit the people of Oakland County, especially in the area of transportation and infrastructure,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “These projects will pay dividends for our residents, as well as those in the region and across the state, for years to come.”

“This budget will move a heck of a lot of dirt, create a heck of a lot of jobs, and make a heck of a difference for hardworking people and their families,” said Pat Dillion, Executive Vice President, Utility Workers of America. “From saving the Palisades plan to making record investments in economic development, housing, community revitalization projects, roads, and pipes, this budget will create powerful economic opportunities for our members and hardworking Michiganders in every region of the state. We are grateful for this commonsense, balanced budget that delivers on so many key priorities, grows the economy, and helps anyone ‘Make it in Michigan.’”

“We are pleased to see the Governor and Legislature agree that county and local bridges – many of which are crumbling and weight-restricted – need additional funding,” said Denise Donohue, CEO, County Road Association of Michigan. “Bridges are the costliest part of the county road network, and this one-time shot in the arm will move more of them off the critical/serious list of concern.”

“This budget helps move our industry forward to address Michigan’s vast infrastructure needs,” said Rob Coppersmith, the executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association. “As we work to develop a long-term, equitable and sustainable infrastructure investment plan, this will help attract people, create careers, and build a better Michigan for generations to come.”

“Michigan Technological University is excited to partner with the state for the critical mineral recycling research hub,” said David Reed, VP of Research at Michigan Tech University. “The state's investment in this critical research further demonstrates Michigan's commitment to advance our state's role in innovation and leadership in the future of mobility and electrification. The students, research faculty, and staff at MTU are eager to expand our industry partnerships and research capabilities in this emerging and critically important area.”

Fiscal Year 2024 Infrastructure Investments

Roads

$416 million to fix the damn roads and build up public infrastructure, improving quality of life.
$80 million for a local bridge bundling program to help local governments fix more than 20 bridges, reconnecting communities across the state.
$6.6 million to speed up the permitting process, helping build all kinds of infrastructure faster and power economic development.

Water

Nearly $600 million for water infrastructure across Michigan, helping replace thousands of lead service lines, rebuild sewers, and so much more.
$20 million for contaminated site cleanup, protecting communities from impacts of former industrial sites.

Transit

$70 million to improve transit access, helping Michiganders get around more safely, quickly, and comfortably.
$45 million for local bus operations, supporting affordable transportation options.

$3.5 million for shared streets and spaces, helping cities and transit agencies create options for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Electrification & Clean Energy

$150 million to reopen the Palisades nuclear power plant.
$125 million to purchase electric school buses, improving air quality and reducing road noise.
$50 million for the MI Healthy Schools program, improving air and water quality in schools.

$43 million for grid resiliency: reduces power outages during extreme weather events.
$30 million for renewable ready communities, helping local governments install renewable energy at scale.
$21.3 million for electric vehicle and renewable energy charging infrastructure.
$5 million for Lake Michigan EV Circuit to build the best electrified road trip in the continent along Lake Michigan, spurring tourism economy.
$5 million for a battery recycling research hub, providing cutting-edge research in mobility and electrification sector.

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