Downriver Today

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) recently released a statement after the largest Michigan infrastructure plan to date was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.).

The Building Michigan Together Plan is an almost $5 million investment in state roads, water, state and local parks, and high-speed internet, according to a press release from the governor's office.

"Michiganders in the 13th Congressional District and across the state will benefit greatly from the Building Michigan Together Plan," Tlaib said. "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."

Whitmer joined several local and state lawmakers to celebrate the newly signed plan, the press release said.

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

The Grand River Greenway is one project that will be funded by the new plan, according to the press release. After it is completed, the greenway will connect residents to the Grand River, which will give them better access to parks, housing, and local businesses.

"This is an exciting day for our community," Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss (D) said. "For years, we have envisioned the expansion of our riverfront park system and linking all of our riverfront green spaces together with a recreational trail that also connects regionally. This substantial investment from the state will allow us to do just that. It will transform public spaces throughout our community, which will have far-reaching social, recreational, and economic benefits for generations to come. I am extremely grateful for Gov. Whitmer, Rep. Albert, Sen. Huizenga, Sen. Brinks, and all of our state partners for their investment in this transformative project."

The infrastructure plan will invest in several park projects other than the Grand River Greenway, such as the Joe Louis Greenway in Detroit and Copper Peak in the Upper Peninsula, according to the press release.

"People's need for nearby, welcoming outdoor places where they could safely spread out and stretch out during the COVID pandemic shined a very bright light on the tremendous value of parks, trails, and green spaces everywhere in Michigan," Ron Olson, chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division, said. "Unfortunately, the ability to invest in these recreation resources hasn't always kept up with the demand and essential infrastructure needs, and today's record investment will help close that gap."