Lansing Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) signed a plan that will invest billions to improve the state’s roads, water, and high-speed internet.

The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan will invest approximately $5 billion into projects to improve the state's infrastructure, a press release from the governor's office noted. The plan also makes the largest single investment ever in Michigan's state and local parks.

"The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest investments in our infrastructure in Michigan history," Whitmer said, according to the press release. "I am grateful to our congressional delegation for sending us these resources and proud that the Michigan legislature and I were able to come together to get this done and ensure our infrastructure is reliable for generations to come."

Whitmer revealed the plan's details at a gathering of state officials, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, stakeholders, and community members in downtown Grand Rapids. The purpose of the conference was to promote the plan’s historic investment in Michigan’s local parks and recreation facilities. 

"For too long, Michigan workers have been left behind and our families have suffered the disastrous consequences of a shrinking middle class, unsafe drinking water, and the climate crisis," Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.) said, according to the press release. "The Building Michigan Together Plan signed today by Gov. Whitmer will improve our Michigan economy drastically, modernize our infrastructure, and create good-paying, union jobs that cannot be outsourced. I am proud to have voted for Pres. Biden’s American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that are making these investments for Michiganders possible."

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) talked about the plan as well.

"Michiganders in the 13th Congressional District and across the state will benefit greatly from the Building Michigan Together Plan,” Tlaib said, according to the press release. "I am proud that Gov. Whitmer and our state leaders came together to pass a plan to deliver billions in federal stimulus dollars, including those from the American Rescue Plan Act to our residents and communities. I look forward to continuing to ensure that both our federal and state governments work together to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Mich.) spoke on the plan's impact.

"Gov. Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan will be transformational for Michiganders and all our communities," Lawrence said, according to the press release. "For far too long, we’ve heard a lot of talk about fixing our infrastructure. It’s exactly why I was fighting so hard in Congress to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, federal funding and resources are coming to Michigan so that we can replace lead pipes, fix our roads and bridges, and invest in our state’s future. Today, we are delivering the package for Michiganders."

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) expressed his pride in the plan's features. 

"I am working hard to lower costs for Michiganders," Kildee said, according to the press release. "I am proud to have delivered funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring billions of dollars to the state of Michigan to repair our roads and bridges, invest in the Great Lakes, and expand broadband internet access. This will improve our supply chains and lower costs for Michiganders. I also applaud Gov. Whitmer for creating the first state park in Genesee County in Flint with this funding, to help increase access to public spaces for people in urban area[s]. I will continue to work with the governor to ensure that federal funds are used to improve the lives of Michiganders."