Kalamazoo Times

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) recently released a statement after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) signed the largest Michigan infrastructure investment in state history.

The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan will provide nearly $5 billion to invest in roads, water, high-speed internet, and state and local parks, according to a press release from the governor's office.

“‘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,” Dingell said, according to the press 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, and I look forward to seeing the results of this transformative investment.”

Dingell was not the only lawmaker to comment on the new bill, as Whitmer met with several local and state officials and community members in downtown Grand Rapids to celebrate the bill’s passing.

“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," U.S. 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.”

The Building Michigan Together Plan will protect drinking water, begin many new road and bridge projects, build additional affordable housing, expand high-speed internet, improve state and local parks, and create job growth, the press release noted. 

“Michiganders in the 13th Congressional District and across the state will benefit greatly from the Building Michigan Together Plan,” U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) 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.”

Local park projects that the plan will invest in include the Grand River Greenway in Grand Rapids, the Joe Louis Greenway in Detroit, and Copper Peak in the Upper Peninsula, the press release noted.

“Gov. Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan will be transformational for Michiganders and all our communities," U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Mich.) 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.”