LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced substantial financial commitments toward enhancing Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative. The investments, coming from the ‘Make it in Michigan’ Competitiveness Fund, are set to establish a new laboratory at Selfridge and expand workforce training in the maritime manufacturing sector.
“Michigan’s defense industry is moving the nation forward,” stated Governor Whitmer. “These investments from the ‘Make it in Michigan’ Competitiveness Fund are helping us protect our nation and prepare our servicemembers for a bright future. I’m proud to bring new construction to Selfridge and more resources to the M3 Initiative, creating opportunities and good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Let’s keep working together to invest in our defense industry, develop a strong workforce, and shape the future of advanced manufacturing.”
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan DMVA, emphasized the significance of these investments: “This investment is another important step in strengthening Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Michigan’s broader defense and aerospace ecosystem. From preparing Selfridge to welcome the F-15EX and KC46A to investing in the infrastructure, innovation and workforce that supports our defense industry, these investments demonstrate Michigan’s commitment to national security and to the service members, communities and industries that make our state a leader in defense.”
Selfridge Air National Guard Base
A $5.9 million investment via IQM Research Institute – Ann Arbor will fund the creation of the Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center and System Integration Lab at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The 25,000-square-foot facility will house labs, classrooms, vehicle storage, and administrative spaces, emphasizing cybersecurity for military and commercial vehicles. This project will support 107 construction jobs and utilize $29.5 million in federal funding from the National Defense Authorization Act.
The investment builds on a $152 million supplemental budget secured in May, aimed at modernizing infrastructure for upcoming fighter and tanker aircraft missions. Selfridge Air National Guard Base, a key military installation in Michigan, contributes approximately $850 million annually to the state economy and supports around 30,000 jobs.
The ongoing infrastructure upgrades align with the April 2025 announcement designating Selfridge as the future site for the F-15EX fighter mission. The base is also set to receive eight KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, replacing the aging KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.
State Senator Kevin Hertel expressed optimism, noting, “For years, we were fighting just to keep what we had at Selfridge, but now, we’ve flipped that conversation. We’re no longer talking about how to preserve Selfridge; we’re talking about how to grow it.” Likewise, state Rep. Denise Mentzer highlighted the economic benefits, stating, “Continuing to invest in Selfridge is a huge win for Macomb County and Michigan as a whole.”
Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative
An allotment of $3.6 million will aid in training workers for high-wage roles in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will oversee the distribution to train 720 workers, leveraging $8 million in federal funding from the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund.
The initiative expands on the FY27 budget’s commitment to developing Michigan’s defense workforce, with $3.5 million earmarked for maritime sector growth, job creation, and innovation. State Rep. Joey Andrews remarked, “These funds will support local jobs, move communities forward and attract new investment.”
Launched in July 2024, the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative focuses on equipping workers with essential skills through partnerships with community colleges and offering K-12 students career education in maritime manufacturing.
Growing Michigan’s Defense Industry
Beyond these projects, the FY27 bipartisan budget supports Michigan National Guard (MING) service members, veterans, and their families with several initiatives:
- Allocates $109.3 million for veteran homes to ensure long-term care for veterans and eligible family members.
- Invests $11.3 million in the MING Member Benefit Fund, broadening support to include childcare and healthcare assistance programs.
- Provides $8.5 million for County and Statewide Veteran Service Grants, enhancing local services and access to benefits.
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