McDonald Rivet Announces New Efforts to Bolster Infrastructure in Mid-Michigan

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) announced new federal funding requests aimed at bolstering infrastructure in mid-Michigan. The funding would improve and replace crumbling roads, enhance public safety, create jobs, and foster long-term economic development. 

“Our infrastructure needs to be rock solid if we want mid-Michigan to attract the kinds of investments that bring good-paying jobs to the region. On top of that, people deserve to know the roads and bridges they drive on are safe,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “These infrastructure projects put us on a path towards real economic growth, all while addressing short-term needs and creating local construction jobs along the way.”

These federal funding requests are part of Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s Community Project Funding Initiative that she is fighting to have included in the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget. They include:

• A Genesee County Land Bank Authority request to eliminate blighted and hazardous structures across the county. Clearing these structures will protect the health and safety of residents in the area while also reducing crime and supporting economic and housing development.
  • “Eliminating blighted and hazardous structures will make our community healthier and safer while also creating jobs and restoring value to nearby homeowners,” said Sam Muma, Genesee County Land Bank Authority Board Chair and Genesee County Treasurer. “We deeply appreciate Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s understanding and advocacy for improving our neighborhoods.”
• A Saginaw Valley State University request to develop over 200 acres of land next to the University, facilitating economic development and improving the aesthetic beauty of the area.
  • “More businesses, more jobs and more housing all start with making our community even more attractive to investment. Not only will this project make the area more beautiful for the residents who drive by it every day, but it could lead to over $100 million in economic development,” said Dr. George Grant, Jr., President of Saginaw Valley State University. “Representative McDonald Rivet’s strong support for this project is greatly appreciated by the entire SVSU community.”
• A Bay County Road Commission request to resurface State Park Drive and make important safety upgrades, including better signage, clearly marked lanes, defined commercial access points, and improved sidewalks. This project will enhance driver and pedestrian safety, create jobs during and after construction, and drive economic growth.
  • “By revitalizing State Park Drive, we can improve driver and pedestrian safety, save taxpayer dollars, and create jobs both during and after construction. The project is a prime example of interagency, public/private cooperation,” said Bill Schumacher, Chairman of the Bay County Road Commission. “Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s continued support will help spur economic growth in our region, significantly improving accessibility for the motoring and non-motoring public.”
• A Genesee County Road Commission request to replace the crumbling Frances Road Bridge to improve driver safety, reduce travel times, help farmers transport their crops, and connect neighborhoods.
  • “The Genesee County Road Commission remains committed to replacing the Frances Road Bridge and reopening this important corridor in our community,” said Eric Johnston, Managing Director of the Genesee County Road Commission. “We are very thankful for Representative McDonald Rivet's support in trying to secure funding which is critical to move this project forward.”
• A Bridgeport Charter Township request to repair and expand Bridgeport’s fire station so it can meet the demands of modern emergency response. This project will create jobs during construction and make sure firefighters have the tools and equipment they need to keep the community safe.
  • “Upgrading our facilities would not only help our crew respond to fires more quickly and more efficiently but also protect firefighters from carcinogens and biohazards they may face in the line of duty,” said Chris Shannon, Bridgeport Charter Township Manager. “Bridgeport Charter Township firefighters appreciate Representative McDonald Rivet for advocating strongly for this vital project.”
  • “Over the past 53 years, the apparatus floors, bathroom plumbing, and floor drains have all begun to deteriorate and, in some cases, fail,” said David J. Smigiel, Bridgeport Charter Township Fire Chief. “Representative McDonald Rivet's efforts to secure appropriations to help address many of these issues are greatly appreciated by all members of the Bridgeport Fire Department.”

In addition to these federal funding requests, Congresswoman McDonald Rivet is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where she is advocating for legislation to improve infrastructure in mid-Michigan. She also recently announced a $4.6 million grant for MBS International Airport, a $4.9 million grant for Flint Bishop International Airport, and a nearly $12 million grant for Flint’s Mass Transportation Authority.