(WXYZ) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign a nearly $5 billion infrastructure plan to ensure Michigan families will have better roads, internet access, parks, housing and water .
As part of the Build Michigan Together Plan, the bipartisan bill would provide $2 billion for critical water infrastructure needs, $645 million for Michigan’s infrastructure, $450 million for Michigan State Parks, and $250 million for To improve broadband access and adoption, etc.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “Building Michigan Together makes bold bipartisan investments in the kitchen table issues that matter most to Michigan families, including clean water, smooth roads, fast Internet and beautiful parks.” “I’m so proud of the Michigan State Assembly and I’ve been able to pull together to get this done. This bill will make a real difference in our community, support tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, and help Michigan The state’s economy is built on decades of success.”
Here’s a breakdown of the nearly $5 billion plan:
water
The Build Michigan Together program includes nearly $2 billion to address critical water infrastructure needs.
- More than $1 billion to improve drinking water, including:
- At least $325 million to replace major service lines, including 100% of the major service lines in the Port of Benton.
- $55 million to help communities tackle toxic pollutants like PFAS.
- $43 million in assistance to small and vulnerable communities.
- $712 million for clean water initiatives addressing storm and wastewater issues, including:
- $669 million for clean water infrastructure.
- A $35 million loan to help repair a failing septic system.
- $20 million to reduce public health risks.
- $8 million to address emerging pollutants.
- $210 million to repair dams in Midland and Gladwin counties, and another $40 million to repair, renovate, or remove dams across the state.
transportation
The Build Michigan Together plan calls for $645 million in critical investments in Michigan’s infrastructure, including:
- $317 million for road and bridge projects benefiting both state and local programs.
- $66 million to make state transportation infrastructure more resilient to future flooding events by adding reliable generator backup power to all 164 state-owned pumping stations.
- $98 million for airport infrastructure improvement grants.
- $66 million to improve public transportation.
- $25 million invested in a statewide mobility future initiative puts Michigan at the forefront of mobility innovation.
garden
Build Michigan Together plans to invest $450 million in Michigan’s state parks to improve state and local parks and trails to enhance tourism and boost the outdoor recreation industry.
- $250 million for state parks, including a new state park in Flint.
- $200 million for local park systems, including transformative greenway projects in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
high speed internet
The Build Michigan Together program will connect more homes and small businesses to fast, reliable high-speed Internet by:
- $250 million in funding to improve broadband access and adoption—helping ensure that all Michigan residents and businesses can compete in the 21st century economy.
housing
The Michigan Co-Building program centers on housing in underserved rural and urban areas and includes:
- $150 million for housing and home improvements, such as:
- Invest $50 million in the Housing and Community Development Fund to meet the housing needs of low-income families across the state.
- $50 million to create a missing middle housing gap fund.
- $50 million for residential improvements, including grants to incentivize energy efficiency and provide energy assistance.
- $383 million for COVID emergency rent assistance to help tenants facing pandemic-related hardship avoid eviction while ensuring landlords can recover owed rent.
- $121 million to help Michigan homeowners avoid personal vandalism in foreclosure.
alsoBuilding Michigan together plans include:
- $133 million to strengthen Michigan’s unemployment insurance system and fight fraud.
- $46 million in funding to protect public safety and first responders in cities, villages and townships experiencing population losses in the 2020 Census.
