Downriver Today

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2023 budget is focused on bridges, roads, pipes and other community works, and includes provisions to protect and improve the environment.

This is Whitmer's fourth executive budget recommendation that emphasizes issues she believes are most important to Michiganders, her office said in a release.

"Since Governor Whitmer took office, Michigan has repaired, replaced, or rebuilt over 13,000 lane miles of road and over 900 bridges, supporting nearly 82,000 jobs," Whitmer's office said. "This budget proposal builds on that progress, surging resources to fix local roads with the right mix and materials, creating good-paying jobs along the way, and helping families stay safe on the road."

A variety of investments are included in the budget, Whitmer's office said. These include $6.3 billion to improve roads, bridges, airports, transit and rail programs with quality materials, which will create myriad high-paying jobs in Michigan. Generators at water-pumping stations will also be installed to make sure streets and drinking water are protected from flooding. There will also be new electric vehicle chargers erected throughout the state.

The budget also focuses on cleaning environmentally contaminated areas and helping Michigan homes run on cleaner energy, the governor's office said. Whitmer also plans on making the state's parks better.