Michigan officials are highlighting how the state has spent federal money from the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” in the year since its passage.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist says billions of dollars have gone toward roads, bridges, and public transportation. The money has been used as state lawmakers have struggled to reach an agreement with the governor’s office on road funding
Gilchrist, a Democrat, says he hopes to reach a deal with the incoming legislature when his party takes control next session.
“I don’t want to presuppose any specific ideas on that, but I do think it resets the conversation that we’ve been trying to have for four years and weren’t able to reach that consensus," Gilchrist said.
In the meantime, five billion more federal dollars are set aside for projects like improvements to the Soo Locks, Detroit Metro Airport, and internet connectivity.
"We can grow our economy and support good paying jobs and harness the talent here in Michigan by making these investments that deploy people during the build out but also lay the foundation for economic activity and opportunity going forward because people, families, companies want to invest in places where infrastructure is strong," Gilchrist said.
Gilchrist is leaving the door open for further state spending before the new Legislature takes over next year, but leadership has suggested the remaining time in this year's session won't have much action.