Against the backdrop of the Mackinac Policy Conference and with lawmakers and business leaders from across Michigan gathered at the Grand Hotel, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today signed legislation sponsored by State Rep. Ron Robinson investing $152 million to support the incoming F-15EX fighter mission and KC-46A tankers at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

The signing marks the culmination of a months-long effort involving President Donald Trump, the United States Air Force, Michigan’s congressional delegation, Gov. Whitmer, Speaker of the House Matt Hall, and state lawmakers to strengthen one of Michigan’s most important military and economic assets.

“This is one of those moments that reminds us what is possible when people put politics aside and rally around something bigger than themselves,” said Robinson (R-Utica).

Nearly three months ago, Robinson led House approval of the critical funding needed for runway upgrades to support the incoming mission, but the proposal became entangled in weeks of Senate negotiations. Robinson continued working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle throughout the process, helping build consensus and ultimately secure the agreement signed into law today.

“The future of Selfridge was worth fighting for, and leaders at every level ultimately came together to deliver this win for Michigan,” Robinson said.

This funding will help modernize Selfridge Air National Guard Base, strengthen military readiness, and protect thousands of jobs connected to the base and its surrounding defense industry network while preserving the roughly $850 million in economic activity the base generates annually.

“This funding and the eventual arrival of the F-15EX Eagle fighter mission sends shockwaves of optimism through our state,” Robinson said. “More importantly, it secures the future of Selfridge, a cornerstone of Macomb County, for generations to come. With this mission, Michigan will reclaim its rightful place as the Midwest’s leader in aerial excellence, and Selfridge will return to its former glory. Macomb is back. Selfridge is back.”