State Representative Alicia St. Germaine has announced a proposal to allocate $152 million in state funding for the construction of two new runways at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The move is intended to protect local jobs and ensure that the base meets the 2028 deadline for receiving a new fighter mission.
The funding was introduced as an amendment to a supplemental appropriations bill sponsored by Representative Ron Robinson.
“Selfridge is a major economic engine for Macomb County and a vital part of Michigan’s defense network,” said St. Germaine, R-Harrison Township. “We worked with President Trump to secure a new fighter mission, and now it’s time for Michigan to step up and do our part. If we want those F-15EX fighter jets here by 2028, we need to move quickly and build the infrastructure to support them.”
Michigan officials have stated that completing runway construction on an accelerated timeline is necessary to meet the 2028 deadline agreed upon by federal and state leaders. They warn that depending only on federal funding could result in delays that threaten the project.
St. Germaine has previously collaborated with Governor Whitmer on capital improvements at Selfridge, securing $10 million in the fiscal year 2024 budget and $15 million in fiscal year 2025 for projects such as runway reconfiguration and building a nearly 42,000-square-foot hangar and maintenance facility. House Republicans also worked with the governor to add another $26 million in one-time funding for fiscal year 2026.
“This has been a team effort every step of the way,” St. Germaine said. “Speaker Hall has been relentless in his conversations with President Trump and the Air Force. The governor helped secure early investment. Our federal partners delivered the mission. Now we must finish the job.”
Selfridge Air National Guard Base supports about 5,000 jobs and serves approximately 4,000 military families from all service branches. The base plays a key role in Macomb County’s defense corridor, which contributes around $1 billion annually to the local economy.
St. Germaine noted strong community backing for the initiative.
“Those jets fly over our houses. They’re loud. And we say, from District 62, ‘Bring it on,’” St. Germaine said.
House leadership expects quick movement on the supplemental bill to keep pace with preparations for 2028.
“If we’re going to meet the 2028 goal, we need to act now,” St. Germaine said. “Thousands of families and small businesses depend on Selfridge. We are stepping up to protect those jobs and defend the local economy that relies on this base. This investment in Selfridge will deliver returns for generations to come while protecting the freedoms we cherish.”
