LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled a comprehensive $3 billion plan to address Michigan’s road infrastructure issues, aiming to provide a sustainable and long-term solution to the state’s transportation challenges. The proposal, introduced on Monday, is part of the ongoing efforts to improve the safety and efficiency of Michigan’s roadways, enhance public transit, and reduce costs for residents.
The plan, dubbed “Mi Road Ahead,” outlines a series of strategic investments designed to not only fix Michigan’s roads but also make the state’s infrastructure more resilient and equitable for all residents. It promises to help local communities tackle road repairs, expand public transit, and boost road safety, all while aiming to reduce the burden on Michigan drivers.
Since the implementation of the Rebuilding Michigan initiative in 2020, the state has already completed repairs on more than 23,000 miles of roadways and 1,600 bridges. According to the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC), the condition of Michigan’s roads has improved, with more roads now classified as “good” or “fair” compared to previous years.
Gov. Whitmer emphasized the need for a long-term, sustainable approach in her announcement, stating, “Today, I’m excited to introduce my brand-new plan that provides a long-term, sustainable solution to fix our roads so we can help more Michiganders stay safe on the road, save money, and get where they’re going faster.”
One of the key components of the plan includes the allocation of more than $1 billion in new, ongoing investments to help communities repair local roads. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II expressed the importance of Michigan’s infrastructure, noting, “We rely on Michigan’s roads to live our lives—to get to work on time, get our kids to school safely, and help our businesses thrive. That is why we’ve been working since day one to fix our roads and bridges, save drivers money, and improve Michigan’s infrastructure.”
The “Mi Road Ahead” plan also includes several measures to generate additional revenue for infrastructure improvements without burdening Michigan residents. These measures include:
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Ensuring Full Gas Tax Usage: The new plan aims to close the gap by ensuring that every penny drivers pay at the pump goes directly toward fixing Michigan’s roads. Currently, 25% of gas tax revenue is diverted elsewhere. This adjustment is expected to add $1.2 billion to road, bridge, and transit projects.
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Fair Share Contributions from Corporations: The plan calls on major corporations, particularly tech giants like Amazon, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, to pay their fair share for utilizing Michigan’s infrastructure. This change could bring in an additional $1.7 billion in revenue, ensuring that large companies contribute to the cost of maintaining the state’s roadways.
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Cutting Red Tape and Saving Costs: The plan promises to reduce inefficiencies within the system, with fiscal measures projected to save up to $500 million. These savings will be reinvested in further road and bridge repairs.
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Closing Marijuana Industry Loopholes: Another element of the proposal seeks to close a loophole that currently exempts the marijuana industry from the wholesale tax applied to similar products, such as cigarettes and tobacco. This change is expected to generate additional revenue for infrastructure projects.
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Investment in Public Transit: In addition to road repairs, the plan includes a $250 million investment to expand and improve transit services across the state. This includes funding for local bus services and the development of new transit projects to improve connectivity.
With the Mi Road Ahead plan, Gov. Whitmer and state officials are taking bold steps to improve Michigan’s transportation system, addressing both immediate and long-term infrastructure needs. By making strategic investments and holding corporations accountable, the proposal aims to create safer, more efficient roads while keeping the costs of improvements manageable for Michigan residents.
