MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WZMQ) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation Wednesday securing $152 million for major runway and infrastructure upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, a move state leaders say is critical to protecting Michigan defense jobs and preparing the base for a next-generation fighter mission.
The funding will help unlock roughly $792 million in additional federal dollars tied to the arrival of new fighter jets set to land in 2028.
Speaking during the Mackinac Policy Conference, Whitmer described the legislation as a major bipartisan victory for both Michigan’s economy and national defense infrastructure.
“Today’s bill signing is another major bipartisan win for Michigan and for our national security,” Whitmer said. “Selfridge Air National Guard Base has long played a critical role in protecting our country, supporting service members and military families, and strengthening Michigan’s economy.”
The project includes runway reconstruction, drainage upgrades, roadway improvements, and other infrastructure modernization designed to prepare the Macomb County base for future fighter and tanker missions.
While the focus of the announcement centered on southeast Michigan, Whitmer specifically tied the investment to the Upper Peninsula’s historic role in American defense manufacturing.
“Michigan has always been at the forefront of our national defense,” Whitmer said. “In the Civil War era, almost 90% of American copper came from Michigan, specifically the Upper Peninsula. We mined the material to make buttons, canteens, cannons, and ships.” She said.
Whitmer used that history to connect Michigan’s industrial past to its modern defense economy, which officials say now supports roughly 166,000 jobs and contributes nearly $30 billion annually statewide.
The governor also framed the Selfridge project as an example of the conference’s broader “Quest for Common Ground” theme, repeatedly emphasizing cooperation between Republicans and Democrats at every level of government.
“This bill is proof that when we work across the aisle, when we seek to find common ground, we can do anything,” Whitmer said.
The legislation passed with bipartisan support in Lansing after months of negotiations involving state lawmakers, federal officials, military leadership, and local governments.
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin credited years of bipartisan advocacy for helping secure both the incoming F-15EX fighter mission and the previously announced KC-46A tanker mission.
“A lot of good bipartisan work got us here,” Slotkin said in a statement released following the signing. “This progress will have generational impact for Michigan, our national defense, and Macomb County’s economy.”
The governor also highlighted the unusual bipartisan path that led to the missions themselves, noting the tanker mission was secured under President Joe Biden while the fighter mission announcement came during President Donald Trump’s administration.
“In 2024, after decades of Michigan advocacy by people on both sides of the aisle, we secured the KC-46 tanker mission thanks to President Biden,” Whitmer said. “Last year, we secured the F-15EX fighter mission thanks to President Trump.”
Whitmer argued the combination of the two missions helps secure the long-term future of Selfridge while strengthening Michigan’s position within the national defense and aerospace industries.
According to state officials, Selfridge currently contributes an estimated $850 million annually to Michigan’s economy while supporting thousands of military and civilian jobs. The base also supports operations tied to other military facilities across the state, including Camp Grayling, the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, the Detroit Arsenal, and Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.
Military leaders said the newly approved funding allows construction work to begin immediately.
“Meeting this deadline is critical because it allows us to move immediately into the next phase of this project,” said Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Whitmer additionally used the event to promote Michigan’s growing defense and aerospace sector, pointing to recent state investments in drone technology, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence research, and workforce development.
The announcement came during a conference heavily focused on bipartisanship, economic competitiveness, and Michigan’s future role in manufacturing and national security.
“We’re just a few weeks away from America’s 250th anniversary,” Whitmer said. “We’re showing the world that when it comes to national defense, don’t mess with Michigan.”
