Senator Peters ‘optimistic’ about continued investment under Michigan infrastructure bill

LANSING, Michigan — “It’s something that’s absolutely critical to our state and local communities, and that’s why I’m cautiously optimistic that we can continue to make these types of investments,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).

On Tuesday, Peters hosted a subcommittee hearing in Lansing to examine the opportunities and challenges of implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in Michigan.

The law, signed by President Biden in November 2021, authorized funding for transportation and port infrastructure projects across the country, officials said.

Tuesday’s hearing looked at the law’s implementation at the state and local levels, including a rollout of funding to rural, urban and suburban areas across the state.

“I hope we can keep this bipartisan coalition together so that we understand that investing in infrastructure is not a partisan issue,” Peters said.

According to Peters, Michigan is geographically diverse, but also has maritime assets and opportunities that can be learned.

“Basically, the fundamentals of infrastructure affect all aspects of Michigan. Regardless of what state you live in, the things that are happening in Michigan can be examples of what could work in your state,” Peters said.

The law not only gave the Great Lakes state a chance to repair its roads and bridges, it also expanded access to high-speed internet, improved railroads and airports, provided clean water for families and made progress in the fight for a clean energy economy.

“In Detroit, Menominee, Monroe and the Soo Locks, major Great Lakes ports have begun receiving the support they need to strengthen our supply chain,” Peters said. “In Kalamazoo, Pontiac, Sault Ste Marie and Jackson, the bipartisan infrastructure bill’s grant enhancement program has kicked off new projects that will improve pedestrian safety and access, transform downtowns and rebuild critical roads. We have it all in our state.”

More information about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can be found online.