State Rep. Gina Johnsen on Tuesday announced a series of requests totaling over $42 million in local investments as part of the ongoing state budgeting process. The requests focus on strengthening core public services like emergency response, rural infrastructure, and environmental conservation.

“These are common-sense, conservative investments that protect lives, safeguard property, and deliver real value to the public,” said Johnsen, R-Portland. “I’m proud to stand up for law enforcement, infrastructure, and the rural communities that often get overlooked in Lansing.”

The budget requests include $18 million for Ionia County to construct four new emergency communications towers and upgrade law enforcement radios, closing critical coverage gaps and improving coordination for police, fire, and EMS.

Another $10 million would fund a modern jail, Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Operations Center in Barry County, replacing outdated facilities that no longer meet safety or operational standards.

Additional infrastructure requests include $2.54 million to replace a flood-prone culvert and build a new bridge on Brown Road in Barry County, $2.1 million to repair 54 public bridges in Ionia County, and $9.2 million to overhaul Portland’s aging wastewater infrastructure. The plan also includes $100,000 each for the Ionia and Barry Conservation Districts to retain experienced staff and expand outreach, as well as $500,000 to help Flat River Outreach Ministries construct 17 affordable housing units for working families.

“When a sheriff can’t reach dispatch, a bridge is weight-restricted, or a lift station fails, the cost to families and taxpayers is immense,” Johnsen said. “These failures in critical infrastructure can be avoided by timely, targeted investments. My budget requests fix what’s broken, protect our communities, and respect the hard-earned dollars of Michigan taxpayers.”

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