State Rep. Rylee Linting has put forth transformational funding proposals that will make Downriver communities an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

The proposals will be considered as part of the state budget process for the upcoming fiscal year. For the first time, every request for dedicated funding has been submitted publicly, with full details available for everyone to see to ensure transparency and accountability for taxpayers.

“People I talk with throughout our communities want better local roads and bridges, energy reliability and strong public safety investments so people feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods,” said Linting, of Grosse Ile Township. “As we continue budget discussions and right-size state spending to respect taxpayers, these issues are ones that must be at the forefront. As we go forward, I’ll continue fighting for resources that support our Downriver community.”

Among Linting’s proposals are a full bridge replacement on West Road in Trenton. Currently the bridge’s failing condition has already forced the closure of two lanes of traffic on the bridge, creating bottlenecks and safety concerns for motorists and rail traffic. A $10 million appropriation would enable Wayne County to begin construction on a new bridge and get shovels in the ground within the next fiscal year while the county also puts funding into the project.

Linting is also working to secure funding for the Middle Gibraltar Road Bridge in Gibraltar, which has been rated in “poor – critical” condition, and both bridges that Grosse Ile Township residents use to get on and off the island. Grosse Ile Township was able to purchase and begin operating the toll bridge following a millage passed by residents in November, but it is in desperate need of repair to continue operations. The other bridge, which is free for motorists to use, is owned by Wayne County, which has requested funds to begin the process of permitting and engineering for a full bridge replacement. Linting has requested $40 million to go toward repairing the two bridges, and said it’s critical for both bridges to operate to ensure residents have a way on and off the island if one of the bridges closes for maintenance.

Other funding project requests include natural gas reciprocating internal combustion engines to increase electric capacity and meet rising demand in Wyandotte, new water mains for residents and updated radios for first responders to replace outdated equipment in Southgate, and new vehicles and equipment for first responders in Riverview and Gibraltar.

The House received more than 800 budget submissions, totaling more than $4 billion. Each of these requests is available at house.mi.gov/LegislativelyDirectedSpendingItems.