Today, Governor Whitmer discussed the benefits to Michigan of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, a nearly $1 trillion piece of legislation that the U.S. Senate just passed, and the U.S. House of Representatives is anticipated to take up when they return from recess in September.
“The historic federal infrastructure package passed by our United States Senate today is an important step toward helping Michigan modernize and develop the infrastructure we need to effectively connect our communities and continue our economic jumpstart. This bold package will create millions of good-paying jobs, fix crumbling roads and bridges, help us build a clean, resilient energy grid, bolster public transportation, deliver clean drinking water to millions of families, and ensure every home has access to high-speed internet. Although the road to this legislation has been long and there’s a lot left to do, I’m proud of Michigan Senators Stabenow and Peters, who we’ve worked with closely as they’ve fought to include provisions that will help our neighborhoods, communities, and industries thrive across the state. I look forward to further collaboration on next steps as this bill goes to the House, and together, we will make even more improvements and pass the best possible bill for Michigan.”
Traditional Infrastructure
The bill includes $110 billion for roads and bridges, and $66 billion in new spending on our U.S. rail network. MDOT has estimated that the bill would bring an estimated $7.26 billion in these funds for Michigan – that’s $1.7 billion more coming to Michigan over the next five years than over the past five. This funding includes over an estimated $3.9 billion through the National Highway Performance Program, $1.9 billion through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and $413 million through the Highway Safety Improvement Program. It also includes new programs that would bring to Michigan for the first time over an estimated $171 million to fund the reduction of carbon via transportation emissions, and another new $194 million to ensure our infrastructure is protected against floods, lake level rise, and changing weather conditions.
Broadband
The legislation includes $65 billion for broadband, including over $42 billion in grants to states and territories for broadband infrastructure construction. It also supports the affordability of broadband by extending benefit programs, works to ensure equal access to broadband without discrimination, and creates a $1 billion grant program to support the “middle mile,” or connections between a core network and local communities.
Auto Industry
The bill also helps ensure Michigan’s auto industry stays on top. It includes provisions that support the emerging electric vehicle industry, providing $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations and alternative fuels, especially focusing on expanding electric charging to rural neighborhoods and others with little access to private parking. Thanks to the work of Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, the bill also strengthens “Buy American” provisions to ensure our auto industry remains strong. Also, thanks to Senator Peters and Representative Debbie Dingell, other provisions provide for safety and testing measures to prevent drunk driving accidents.
Environment
The infrastructure package importantly ensures that our environment and its resources are cared for as we grow our economy. Thanks in part to Senator Stabenow, the bill provides a record $1 billion for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to help clean up our beautiful freshwater lakes. The bill also includes funding to help restore our Great Lakes, marine or coastal ecosystem habitats, or to protect coastal communities from flooding and storms.
