MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Lawmakers have approved a $152 million state funding package to upgrade Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, part of a broader effort to prepare the installation for new military aircraft and secure its long-term future.
The bipartisan measure supports modernization projects at the base, including runway and infrastructure improvements needed to accommodate F-15EX fighter jets and KC-46A tanker aircraft, officials said.
Combined with nearly $1 billion in federal investments and additional grants, the upgrades are expected to significantly modernize the base, create jobs, and reinforce a long-term military presence in Macomb County.
Officials said the next step will be selecting a construction manager to oversee the work.
The new aircraft are expected to begin arriving in 2028.
In a statement, U.S. Rep. John James, R-Mich., said the funding represents a major milestone in securing the installation’s future.
“From the day I was sworn in, I understood what Selfridge means to Macomb County, Michigan, and our national security,” James said. “While others questioned its future, I never gave up on Selfridge. Losing Selfridge was never an option.”
James said the combined state and federal funding reflects one of the largest investments in Air National Guard infrastructure nationwide.
“Today’s state funding passage, in conjunction with the federal funding I secured in the U.S. House, is another major step toward securing this crown jewel for the next generation,” James said.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also praised the funding approval, calling it a key step in preparing the base for incoming aircraft.
“Today’s funding is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan that will grow our economy and make our country safer,” Whitmer said. “We landed the plane. Delivering this funding by June 1 was critical to securing the fighter mission and protecting Selfridge for the future.”
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin also applauded the investment, pointing to years of coordinated federal, state, and local efforts to secure new missions for the base.
“These investments will make Selfridge the most advanced National Guard base in the country,” Peters said in a statement.
Slotkin said the funding will help attract additional defense-related economic activity to the region and strengthen national security capabilities.
“This proves that years of federal, state, and local bipartisan work does pay off,” Slotkin said.