LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today approved a plan to secure $162.9 million in federal funding for a number of airport projects across the state. The plan now heads to the Governor for her signature.
"This plan will not only help us secure very important federal funding for a number of airport projects, it will also help create jobs now for our workers," said State Rep. Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids). "The federal funding will help improve our airport infrastructure and help turn Michigan into a national economic leader."
The plan passed by the House today ensures the state meets a deadline to receive federal funding in order to complete a number of improvements and upgrades at airports across Michigan. While the measure is expected to create nearly 3,000 jobs, it was originally part of a larger economic stimulus package introduced by House Democrats that was expected to create 29,000 jobs in Michigan.
House are still fighting to pass the remaining parts of the stimulus plan, which would speed up funding for hundreds of construction projects around the state at universities, colleges, military facilities and state parks. In addition to creating jobs now for Michigan's workers, the plan also will create new jobs in emerging fields by providing our colleges and universities with the facilities they need to train students for high-tech jobs in homeland security, life sciences and other cutting-edge fields.
"While I am pleased that we were able to pass the measure to secure the very important federal funding for our airports, I can't help but feel there was too much left on the House floor," said Speaker Pro Tem Michael G. Sak (D-Grand Rapids). "The additional construction projects would help create thousands of jobs to get working families back on their feet, as well as create the next generation of first-class workers for our state. Hopefully, we can work together to quickly negotiate a plan that will help move our state forward."