Whitmer Makes Move To Spend Federal Money On Internet Expansion

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in preparation for the billions in federal funds Michigan is expected to receive over the next five years specifically for high-speed internet from the newly-enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, issued an executive directive (ED) to state departments and agencies to collaborate with the legislature and ready the state to continue expanding high-speed internet access. The state will continue working to lower the cost of internet service, and help families, communities, and small businesses get and stay connected to affordable, reliable high-speed service.

“Right now, we have an historic opportunity to put Michiganders first and use the billions in funding we are expected to receive under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure every home and business in our state has access to an affordable, reliable high-speed connection that meets their needs and that they know how to use,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “With this executive directive, we are getting ready to deliver critical resources to communities across Michigan to help them enhance internet access and get their residents connected. Investments in high-speed internet create economic prosperity and ensure families and small businesses can rely on their connections to work, learn, and access critical information and services. The new infrastructure bill’s funding will build on work we have already done in this space and help us usher in a new era of prosperity for our state. I look forward to working with the legislature to invest these dollars and get the job done.”

“Every Michigan home and business needs the access to the infrastructure that makes high-speed internet access possible, and the connection must be affordable and reliable,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today’s executive directive recognizes that high-speed internet is the single most empowering infrastructure that we can invest in.  Governor Whitmer and I will remain laser-focused on ensuring that the federal dollars being made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are spent strategically and efficiently, so that we can take full advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring high-speed internet service to every person, family, and community in our state.  We look forward to partnering with the legislature, local leaders, and all those who are ready to focus on getting Michiganders connected so that we can get this done.”