Hertel’s advocacy secured funding for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, transformational new Macomb County Jail Intake project and local water infrastructure
LANSING, Mich. (June 30, 2023) — On Wednesday, the Michigan Legislature passed the 2024 state budget, which included significant funding Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) secured for several Macomb County priorities. The budget was passed with bipartisan support.
“I was proud to vote on a budget for the state of Michigan that prioritizes our communities. This budget includes historic funding for schools, roads, and water infrastructure,” said Sen. Hertel. “I am especially grateful for the significant investments that will directly impact our community, including Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the Macomb County Jail Intake project and water infrastructure projects throughout the district. These dollars will help ensure our community can prepare for the needs of tomorrow and show Macomb County’s leadership in proactive problem solving.”
Having spent months meeting with and listening to constituents, local leaders and community organizations, Sen. Hertel advocated for state dollars to be targeted in a meaningful way, going to projects in District 12 that would have the biggest impact on the local economy and residents’ everyday lives.
Sen. Hertel successfully brought $13 million to Selfridge Air National Guard Base. This funding would be dedicated to rerouting the runway and making other updates necessary for the Harrison Township base to compete for next generation aircraft and future fighter missions. Employing more than 600 workers on the base, Selfridge provides a local economic benefit worth more than $700 million to residents and businesses in several surrounding cities and townships. These newly secured funds will be critical in positioning Selfridge for long-term success and ensuring the base can continue as a source of community pride and jobs for years to come.
The budget also makes transformational investments in the criminal justice system, providing money necessary for the Macomb County Jail to modernize its facilities and overhaul its central intake process. Sen. Hertel was the lead in generating the funding. Through the construction of a new central intake and mental health unit, among other upgrades, this project will allow the county jail to provide better mental and physical health outcomes for those who come in contact with the criminal justice system. Once complete, the new jail is set to become a national model on how to keep our communities safe, while ensuring the needs of our most vulnerable and underserved are met.
Finally, the state budget includes much needed funding for water infrastructure projects in Chesterfield Township and St. Clair Shores, which Sen. Hertel fought to secure. Not only is Lake St. Clair a way of life, but a source of great economic opportunity in the community as marinas, restaurants and other waterfront businesses depend on its health. But for too long, crumbling infrastructure has sent sewage into Lake St. Clair and basements during heavy rains, threatening the health and livelihoods of residents. This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve water quality, providing relief to communities and businesses across the lakeshore district.
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