🚧 Investments to Build Up Michigan’s Infrastructure

Dear Neighbor,  

From crumbling roads and aging bridges to a lack of affordable housing and reliable public transit, it’s clear Michigan’s infrastructure has been in serious need of attention. That’s why I’m proud to share this version of our budget briefing e-newsletter series, focused entirely on the infrastructure investments we secured in this year’s budget. As the Senate’s lead budget negotiator, I fought every step of the process to ensure we passed a budget that brings home dependable, sustainable infrastructure funding for every community across our state.   

This year’s budget includes funding to repair local roads and bridges, improve public transit, and expand access to affordable housing and clean water. These investments will help us continue to build safe, healthy, and connected communities here in Michigan. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the major wins I helped secure to repair and improve our state’s infrastructure in the 2026 State Budget.  

If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or if you need assistance of any sort, please reach out to my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-6960.   

In Service, 

Sarah Anthony 
State Senator 
District 21 

Fixing Our Roads 

Let’s be honest: our roads have been awful for years, and despite significant improvements to our state’s highways and major roads under the Whitmer Administration, our local roads have continued to crumble with no end in sight. I’m proud to report that after decades of failed attempts in our state Capitol, we have finally passed a long-term, bipartisan solution to fix our aging roads. This budget focuses on long-term improvements while directing funding to the local roads in dire need of repair.  

This plan makes major investments in the local roads you drive on every day, addresses the train backups that always hit at the worst possible time, more than doubles public transit dollars, and sets aside funding for new projects so we’re not just fixing the old, but building the new.  

We fought hard to ensure this funding solution would make a difference for our state long-term, reach the neighborhood roads you drive on every day, and encourage job growth, all without raiding funding for education and other essential human services.  

By the Numbers 

The roads plan sets aside $1.86B in ongoing funding by FY 2030. We reached this number through a combination of sources, including the following: 

• $1B: Right now, Michigan charges sales tax on gas prices at the pump. Under the new plan, the sales tax will be removed from fuel and replaced with a 20-cent gas tax increase. This means the money you spend on gas will go directly to improving our roads. 
• $420M: An additional wholesale tax on adult use cannabis products sold or transferred to licensed retailers. To learn more about how we’re balancing the needs of the cannabis industry, click here. 
• $440M by FY 2030: This plan directs revenue from the state’s corporate income tax to roads. This ensures that corporations pay their fair share and allows communities to plan for the future, while creating new jobs, lowering costs, and delivering record investments in public education.  

We also created a new formula to distribute state dollars to road projects. This new formula prioritizes local needs, including bridges, rail grade separation, and public transit.  

After decades of lawmakers failing to achieve a long-term solution to fixing our aging roads, this bipartisan roads plan gets the job done and directs funding to our local roads that need it most. 

Governor Whitmer, joined by construction workers and local leaders, signs road funding bills into law.

Clean, Affordable Drinking Water 

Throughout my time as Senate Appropriations Chair, I have heard from communities across Mid-Michigan and in every corner of our state about the dire need for support as they work to update failing water and sewer infrastructure. Everyone deserves the right to clean, affordable drinking water, and we have a responsibility to ensure our pipes, wells, and wastewater treatment systems are up to date and able to handle the needs of our communities. That’s why the 2026 budget delivers:  

• $5M for Water Affordability – No one should lie awake at night worrying about whether they can afford to pay their next water bill. This funding will help offset the rising costs of utilities, ensuring everyone can turn on their faucet without fear or concern. 
• $17.4M Deposit for Water Infrastructure Improvements – Over the past two years, I have fought for state budgets that direct funding towards upgrades in rural and urban communities alike. This year’s budget continues that effort. From Lansing to Grand Ledge, the issue of water infrastructure affects us all, and this funding will help provide much-needed support and ensure clean water throughout our communities.  
• $34M Federal Match for Water State Revolving Funds – Michigan’s Water State Revolving Funds are crucial for keeping our water clean and safe for everyone. However, the demand for these funds continues to exceed their availability. That’s why I’m proud that our state is making the most out of federal funding opportunities and remains committed to building reliable infrastructure that ensures clean, affordable drinking water is delivered directly to homes across Michigan. 

Sen. Anthony joins members of the Potterville City Council to celebrate the state’s $4 million investment in Potterville water infrastructure in the FY 25 budget for Potterville’s water project, part of $10 million in state funding for Eaton County’s water infrastructure! 

Investing in a Reliable and Functional Transit System 

Public transit is essential to building strong, connected communities. When we have reliable ways to get around, we gain access to jobs, schools, health care, and the everyday connections that make our communities thrive.   

That’s why the 2026 State Budget includes key investments in buses, rail, and safe pedestrian and bike pathways. These funds will help ensure Michigan’s transits systems truly serve the people who rely on them, making it easier for everyone to move from place to place and stay connected. Some of the investments we made include:   

• $44.8M for Local Bus Operators – Transportation is about so much more than just our roads, and investing in transit ensures everyone has access to reliable, affordable transportation.  
• $40M for Railgrade Separation – Reducing rail crossing delays helps ease traffic at railroad intersections, ensuring you can get to work on time, and emergency responders can effectively and efficiently respond when seconds matter. 
• $99.5M for Local Bridges – Repairing and replacing aging bridges keeps our communities safe and ensures people can travel smoothly and reliably throughout the state. 
• $5M for Non-Motorized Trails – Improving pedestrian and bike paths supports safe, accessible options for everyone who travels without a car. 
• $1.8B for Improving State and Local Roads Over the Next Four Years – This budget more than doubles public transit dollars, ensuring much-needed financial support to Michigan’s public transit system. 

Expanding Affordable Housing Options 

Safe and affordable housing is in too short supply here in our Mid-Michigan communities and across the entire state. High interest rates and home prices create challenging conditions for both buyers and sellers. Many Michigan renters face challenges finding affordable housing too, with over half spending more than 30% of their household income on housing expenses. Through targeted investments in affordable housing and community development, our state budget works to change this reality and expand access to affordable housing, so that everyone in Michigan has a place they can call home. 

By the Numbers 

• Protected an ongoing $50M investment for affordable housing. 
• Built on our efforts to secure permanent supportive housing by protecting ongoing funding while securing an additional $5M in one-time funds. 
• $1.28M for home repairs and weatherization grants. 
• $2M for Ingham County Land Bank’s Housing Trust Fund, building upon our previous investments to increase affordable housing, eliminate blight, and ensure owning a home is an obtainable dream for everyone in our community. 
• $3M in Michigan Saves grants and loans for clean energy improvement and on-site wastewater system replacement or repair. This program helps homeowners and business owners looking to improve their energy efficiency or make other upgrades to their septic system or water lines.