Detroit Regional Chamber > Advocacy > Infrastructure Investment Bill Will Bring $11.3B to Michigan, Thanks to Rep. Upton, MI Reps. Who Voted Yes

Infrastructure Investment Bill Will Bring $11.3B to Michigan, Thanks to Rep. Upton, MI Reps. Who Voted Yes

November 10, 2021

On Nov. 15, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The bill passed the U.S. Senate in August with 69 votes, 19 of which were Republicans, and the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 5 by a vote of 228-206, which included the support of Rep. Fred Upton (MI-06).

“This bill means better roads, bridges, and highways across our state, making commerce more efficient and keeping drivers safer. It means better access to broadband for students and rural communities. It means clean drinking water for schools and families,” said Brad Williams, vice president of government relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber.

The Chamber recognizes members of the Michigan Congressional delegation that supported this bill including Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Gary Peters, Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Rep. Haley Stevens, Rep. Andy Levin, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Rep. Debbie Dingle, Rep. Dan Kildee, and Rep. Fred Upton.

Rep. Upton called the infrastructure bill “commonsense legislation that will support critical projects in Michigan without raising taxes or increasing the debt. It will help rebuild our highways and harbors, replace lead water pipes in Benton Harbor and across the country, expand broadband to underserved communities, strengthen our grid against Russian and Chinese cyberattacks and create jobs across southwest Michigan.”

“We applaud Rep. Upton’s courage and leadership on behalf of all Michiganders. By supporting the bipartisan, physical infrastructure bill, Rep. Upton put Michigan businesses, workers, and communities first,” Williams added.

The bipartisan infrastructure bill will provide much-needed funding to address Michigan’s most pressing infrastructure needs. Specifically, IIJA will provide funding for the following:

Roads

  • Under the IIJA, Michigan stands to receive over $7.9 billion in highway funding.
  • This represents a 42% increase in funding compared to current law.

Bridges

  • 11% of Michigan’s bridges are in poor condition and considered structurally deficient.
  • Under the IIJA, Michigan will receive $563 million for bridge replacement and repairs.

Broadband

  • 14% of Michiganders lack access to high-speed broadband at home.
  • Under the IIJA, Michigan would receive a minimum of $100 million to fund broadband deployment in Michigan.

Drinking-Water and Wastewater

  • Michigan reports a $13billion drinking water investment gap.
  • Under the IIJA, Michigan will expect to receive $1.3billionto improve water infrastructure across the state.

Airports

  • Michigan is home to 8 major airports.
  • Under the IIJA, Michigan will receive $363 million for infrastructure development for airports.

Resiliency

  • Under the IIJA, Michigan will receive $23 million over five years to protect against wildfires
  • Under the IIJA, Michigan will receive$24 million to protect against cyber attacks

Transit

  • Under the IIJA, based on formula funding alone, Michigan would expect to receive $1 billion to improve public transportation options across the state.

Williams added, “Just as important as what’s included in the bipartisan infrastructure bill, is what was not included. 100% of this bill goes to physical infrastructure projects and does not include funding for social welfare projects. It does not include tax increase and will not raise inflation, according to conservative economists.”

The Chamber will continue to monitor the allocation of IIJA funding throughout the state of Michigan.