State Rep. Roger Hauck, of Union Township, today voted to advance a massive infrastructural commitment that will help Midland County and move the entire state forward.

The $4.7 billion plan will tend to aging facilities and infrastructure, spur community and economic development, provide access to safe drinking water, ramp up technology to meet today’s needs, and more.

A total of $250 million will support repairs for high-risk structures, including $200 million for dams in Midland and Gladwin counties that failed in 2020.

“We saw the tragedy that can unfold when infrastructure needs are not met,” Hauck said. “This funding will protect people, their families and property across Michigan, including in Midland County. It was important to provide resources to make needed repairs now, and this is also a down payment on our state’s future.

“We have a unique opportunity to do this now with the funding the state has access to. We need to get this done.”

The plan also addresses other key needs as Michigan meets the challenges of both today and tomorrow. A total of $250 million will expand broadband into more Michigan communities and tackle a growing issue of people and small businesses in rural areas not having reliable access to high-speed internet. Another $500 million will go toward rent and mortgage assistance to help those struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising costs.

A clean water grant and loan program, which includes assistance to protect public health and fix failing septic systems in communities across the state, will receive a $712 million investment.