Northwest Wayne News

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) after she signed a bipartisan bill to invest in Michigan’s infrastructure.

Whitmer signed the Building Michigan Together Plan on March 30. The nearly $5 billion plan will invest in the state's infrastructure and economy, create job growth, and benefit Michiganders, according to a press release from the governor's office.

“The United States currently ranks 13th in the world in terms of our infrastructure – which is simply unacceptable,” Peters said, according to the release. “We can and must do more to strengthen and prepare our infrastructure for the 21st century. I was proud to help pass the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will repair our roads and bridges, expand high-speed internet, and replace aging water infrastructure to ensure access to clean drinking water. I applaud Gov. Whitmer for her leadership in helping ensure the federal resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bolster Michigan’s economy and create good-paying jobs.”

Whitmer joined local and state officials, outdoor lovers, and members of the community in downtown Grand Rapids to celebrate the bill’s passing.

“Over the past year, the Michigan Democratic delegation has delivered for our state — passing bills that protect people from COVID-19 and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure," Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) said, according to the release. “Now, we are partnering with Gov. Whitmer to use this funding and make meaningful investments for Michigan residents. This means fixing our roads, replacing lead pipes, and finally tackling our spotty internet service. The best part is, we can do all of this all while creating good-paying jobs. Bottom line: it’s a win for Michigan.”

The Building Michigan Together Plan will offer clean drinking water, mark the beginning of many new road and bridge projects, build affordable housing, expand high-speed internet access, make improvements to local and state parks, and support tens of thousands of Michigan jobs, the press release noted. 

“‘Fixing the damn roads’ isn’t just a catchphrase for Gov. Whitmer, and she’s proved that today by signing the Building Michigan Together Plan into law,” Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) said, according to the release. “This bipartisan plan will take once-in-a-generation federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and invest it in rebuilding our infrastructure, growing our economy, and creating good-paying jobs in Michigan’s 12th district and across our great state. Michigan is setting an example to the nation that when we work together, we can solve real problems hardworking Americans face.”

The Grand River Greenway is one project funded by the Building Michigan Together Plan. Once the project is completed, it will connect residents to the Grand River and the area’s recreation system, the press release noted.

“I am working hard to lower costs for Michiganders," Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) 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.”