Gov. Whitmer Announces First Disbursement of Neighborhood Roads Fund Under Historic Long-Term Road Funding Deal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2026

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Gov. Whitmer Announces First Disbursement of Neighborhood Roads Fund Under Historic Long-Term Road Funding Deal

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced local agencies across Michigan are now seeing their first payments from the Neighborhood Roads Fund (NRF), part of the new long-term road funding plan aimed at rebuilding Michigan's state and local roads, bridges, and transit with a nearly $2 billion annual investment and with future adjustments designed to keep pace with Michigan's evolving infrastructure needs.

"Fixing the damn roads means less wear on your car, a smoother drive, and safer travel for every Michigander," said Governor Whitmer. "I ran on fixing the damn roads, and I am proud to keep my promise and get it done with last year's balanced, bipartisan budget. We're making a historic investment of nearly $2 billion to fix state and local roads, creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and lowering costs for drivers across Michigan. Today's disbursement will build on the progress we have made to fix the damn roads and create a stronger Michigan."

This funding will help to bolster existing road and bridge projects for counties, cities and villages, while also committing additional funding to the following:

• $100 million to repair and replace local bridges.

• $100 million for public transit, including new transformational projects and local bus operations.

• $40 million for rail grade separation projects to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.

To view the funding breakdown for Michigan cities and villages, click here.

To view the funding breakdown for Michigan counties, click here.

"The local roads Michiganders drive on everyday are getting a major investment," said state Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe). "With nearly $2 billion in new funding, we're giving communities across Michigan the resources they need to transform their pothole ridden roads into safer, smoother paths for folks to get around- all while creating thousands of good-paying jobs along the way."

"For too long, we have failed to invest in the local roads that all of us drive each day," said state Representative Sam Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). "The Neighborhood Road Fund fixes this long-standing problem faced by communities across Michigan and invests millions into fixing potholes and repairing bridges. I am proud to work with Governor Whitmer and sponsor the legislation that gives local governments the resources they need to fix our neighborhood streets and roads."

"For too long local governments have been asking the state for more money to invest in our neighborhood streets and roads," said Andy Schor, Mayor, Lansing. "Governor Whitmer worked with the legislature to get that done and deliver funding we need to fix our aging infrastructure. Lansing and other cities across Michigan rely on the state to provide road dollars and with these additional funds we can finally fix more of your damn neighborhood streets."

"We appreciate this investment in Marquette's transportation infrastructure. Maintaining nearly 90 miles of roadway through the Upper Peninsula's challenging weather conditions is a constant responsibility," said Mayor Paul Schloegel, City of Marquette. "This funding will help us improve the roads residents rely on every day, whether they're traveling to school, commuting to work, or enjoying everything our community and Lake Superior shoreline have to offer."

"Strong neighborhoods start with strong infrastructure," said Sam Muna, Genesee County Treasurer. "These neighborhood road funds are about more than fixing pavement they're about making sure families can travel safely, residents can take pride in where they live, and our communities continue to move forward. Every investment in our roads is an investment in the people and neighborhoods that make Genesee County home."

"The Neighborhood Roads Fund provides an important opportunity to make meaningful, long-term investments in the infrastructure our community relies on every day," said Jerry Byrne, Managing Director, Kent County Road Commission. "This additional revenue allows us to advance significant bridge and road improvements and make investments at a scale that was previously beyond the reach of our existing resources. We are grateful to our state legislators for recognizing these needs and investing in the long-term strength of Michigan's transportation system."

"Streets are a huge part of cityscapes," said David LaGrand, Mayor, Grand Rapids. "This new funding will help us build the Grand Rapids of the future, and help fund our vision of human centered transportation and safer streets."

A Sustainable Road Funding Plan

The long-term road funding package protects funding for schools and other essential services while ensuring resources are available to fund roads, transportation, and infrastructure:

• $1 billion per fiscal year from a sales tax and motor fuel tax swap that began on Jan. 1, 2026, and dedicates all taxes paid at the pump for state and local roads, without increasing costs for motorists.

• Dedicates $420 million to roads from revenue generated from a tax on the marijuana industry.

• Shifts $600 million from the Individual Income Tax to the Corporate Income Tax, protecting the general fund and providing a reliable base for transportation funding.

• Phases in an additional $440 million ($88 million annually) from corporate income tax growth to sustain infrastructure investments long term.

Fixing the Damn Roads in Michigan

Since Governor Whitmer took office through the end of this year's construction season, Michigan will have repaired over 24,500 lane miles of road and 1,900 bridges, supporting over 188,000 good-paying jobs.

Over the last seven years, the Governor and the Legislature have worked together to deliver seven balanced, bipartisan budgets investing more than $31 billion to fix Michigan's roads and bridges, more than the previous eight years combined. These investments have been paired with actions to train thousands of workers for high-wage jobs, including in the construction industry.

• Continued partnership with the Canadian government on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major trade corridor that supports at least 2,500 good-paying jobs for Michiganders.

• Launched the Rebuilding Michigan Plan, a $3.5 billion plan expanding major new road projects, rebuilding state highways and bridges over 5 years, without an increase at the pump.

• Signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, investing $316 million into roads and bridges, $66 million into pump station generators to keep highways clear during severe storms, and $92 million to upgrade regional airports.

• Established the Michigan Infrastructure Office to coordinate infrastructure work across state government.

• Launched the Bridge Bundling program to streamline permitting and improve bridge conditions on local routes around the state. Secured $80 million for the program.

• Signed an executive directive to speed up pothole repairs.

• Won a nearly $105 million competitive federal grant to replace I-375 in Detroit with a street-level boulevard and reconnect communities split apart nearly 60 years ago.

• Signed an executive directive to streamline and improve permitting for infrastructure.

• Protected construction workers by implementing work zone safety cameras.

• Signed anti-distracted driving legislation to save lives, prevent injuries, and promote safe and reliable mobility.

• Delivered $95 million to support local transit, marine services, rail, and more.

• Secured $145 million to strengthen the state's passenger rail infrastructure and support connections between Michigan communities and major destinations.

• Worked with federal partners to secure funding for the Soo Locks Modernization Project and the Blue Water Bridge Plaza project.

• Announced the first ever Michigan Maritime Strategy, attracting new investments, fostering innovation, and strengthening Michigan's water-time economy.

• Announced Michigan's railroad enhancement grants, investing over $20 million towards freight rail projects in Michigan.

• Signed bill ending transit opt-out zones in Wayne County and giving 500,000 voters a direct say in funding public transit services.

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