by 
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald directs federal attention to roads, bridges, airports, and public safety in mid-Michigan this year.
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald advances five infrastructure upgrades across mid-Michigan
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald on Tuesday unveiled a set of Community Project Funding requests aimed at revitalizing critical infrastructure across mid-Michigan, as part of her push to be included in the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget. The package spans road resurfacing, bridge replacement, fire station upgrades, blight removal, and land development next to Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). She emphasized that residents deserve “roads and bridges they drive on are safe,” framing the requests as part of a larger strategy to link short-term construction work with long-term economic opportunity.
Breakdown of projects championed by Congresswoman Kristen McDonald and their community impact
The initiative includes:
- Genesee County Land Bank Authority: Demolition of dangerous, blighted properties to reduce safety risks and encourage redevelopment. Board Chair Sam Muma noted that clearing these buildings would “make our community healthier and safer” and enhance nearby homeowners’ property values.
- Saginaw Valley State University: Development of over 200 adjacent acres to enhance the area’s attractiveness to businesses and housing, potentially catalyzing more than $100 million in private investment, according to SVSU President George Grant, Jr..
- Bay County Road Commission: Safety upgrades and resurfacing of State Park Drive—including improved signage, lane marking, sidewalks, and controlled commercial access—to boost traffic safety and create jobs. Commission Chair Bill Schumacher called the effort “a prime example of interagency, public/private cooperation.”
- Genesee County Road Commission: Replacement of the deteriorating Frances Road Bridge, expected to reduce travel times, better serve farm-to-market traffic, and reconnect neighborhoods. Managing Director Eric Johnston said funding is “critical to move this project forward.”
- Bridgeport Charter Township: Expansion and repair of the township’s fire station, enhancing emergency response capability and reducing firefighter exposure to biohazards and carcinogens. Manager Chris Shannon and Fire Chief David J. Smigiel pointed to aging apparatus floors, plumbing, and drains as safety and operational liabilities.
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald builds on prior federal successes to press infrastructure gains
As a member of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald noted her previous wins: $4.657 million for MBS International Airport taxiway reconstruction, $4.972 million for Flint Bishop International Airport terminal upgrades, and nearly $12 million for the Flint Mass Transportation Authority. These highlights underscore her ongoing commitment to mid-Michigan infrastructure investment.
Independent context backs Congresswoman Kristen McDonald’s push for local infrastructure spending
Independent data corroborates the need: the 2023 Michigan Infrastructure Report Card by the American Society of Civil Engineers rated the state’s infrastructure a “C-,” citing persistent issues in roads, bridges, transit, and airports. Peer-reviewed research related to the Genesee County Land Bank—including a 2023 study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology—links demolitions and lot revitalization to decreased violent crime in Flint neighborhoods. Together, they reinforce the case that tangible investments like those championed by Congresswoman Kristen McDonald are evidence-based ways to improve safety and economic conditions.
Next steps for Congresswoman Kristen McDonald’s infrastructure agenda
The Community Project Funding requests must still navigate House and Senate appropriations. If included in the final FY 2026 package, each project will follow its own schedule for design, review, and construction. Should they be approved, the result would be safer streets, a modern fire station, a functional bridge, cleaner neighborhoods, and new development sites for mid-Michigan residents.
Read More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind
- Michigan Feature News Stories – Unveiling the diverse and vibrant people, captivating places, and remarkable events that come together to make the Great Lake State unique.
- Strange Political News – A sarcastic take on official news from around the U.S., exploring the absurdities that often arise in the political landscape while providing a humorous perspective on current events and highlighting the quirks of politicians and policies.
- Michigan Hometown News – News and events from Michigan’s Upper Thumb region worth knowing, including local stories, impactful interviews, and updates on community happenings that shape the culture and lifestyle of the area.
Your Turn – Like This, or Hate it – We Want To Hear From You
Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. We review each response. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your email box, or check us out at ThumbWind News.
