Photo credit: The Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered a clear directive to state lawmakers during the annual Macomb County Chamber of Commerce and Connect Macomb Governor’s Luncheon, an event sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Addressing hundreds of business professionals and local elected officials, Whitmer stressed the immediate need for legislative action to approve funding for Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The legislature is currently evaluating a $152 million supplemental spending plan designated for essential runway improvements at Selfridge. Securing these funds by a June 1 deadline is critical to prepare the Harrison Township facility for an incoming F-15EX fighter mission and a squadron of KC-46 tankers. The new aircraft will replace the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II and KC-135 Stratotanker fleets.
The aerospace and defense industry is a massive economic driver for the region. Whitmer noted the state is home to more than 600 aerospace suppliers, with over 25% based in Macomb County, effectively making the area the epicenter of defense in the Midwest. Furthermore, Selfridge itself generates an estimated $850 million annual economic impact and supports 5,000 military families.
Upgrading the base’s facilities is part of a larger, long-term preparation effort expected to total around $1 billion over five to seven years. Local leaders and state officials agree that, with these ongoing investments, Selfridge has the potential to evolve into a super base in the coming years.
The Detroit Regional Chamber encourages swift bipartisan cooperation to finalize the budget and secure the Selfridge project before the legislative session concludes. Strengthening military and defense assets preserves thousands of high-paying jobs and guarantees the region remains a premier destination for aerospace innovation.