State Rep. Ron Robinson (R-Utica) testified this week before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in support of two budget proposals that would enhance public safety and improve infrastructure in Macomb County: a $250,000 grant for the Utica Police Department and a $2.5 million grant for the Oakland-Macomb Interceptor Drain Drainage District (OMIDDD).

The Utica Police Department’s request, which Robinson is advocating for to be included in the state budget, would fund essential public safety equipment that will improve both officer preparedness and community protection. The grant would be used to purchase police drones, tasers, ballistic vests, helmets, shields, and assault training equipment.

“Utica is a small-town community with big city problems,” said Robinson. “Despite only being two and a half square miles in area, the community sees many visitors, traffic, and at times, crime due to our many tourist attractions. This investment would ensure the safety of our officers and the public alike.”

Robinson is also advocating for funding to address a longstanding infrastructure issue in Macomb County. The proposed $2.5 million grant for OMIDDD would fund the construction of a new odor control facility to combat sanitary sewer odor problems along the 15 Mile Road corridor and the ITC corridor which are areas that residents have complained about for decades. This facility would significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the odor, and it would also help preserve the sewer infrastructure.

“In short, the odor hurts our community, and we can take steps towards resolving the issue,” said Robinson. “From the Sterling Heights Fire Station to the Sterling Heights High School, this issue negatively effects nearly 50,000 citizens, and I’m aiming to fix that. This is a smart investment in both quality of life and long-term infrastructure sustainability, and I hope to see both critical grants included in the final state budget.”