New Investments Support Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated additional investments for Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative. New investments from the 'Make it in Michigan' Competitiveness Fund will support the construction of a new lab facility at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and develop workforce training opportunities in shipbuilding and related maritime manufacturing through the M3 Initiative.

"Michigan's defense industry is moving the nation forward," said Governor Whitmer. "These investments from the 'Make it in Michigan' Competitiveness Fund are helping us protect our nation and prepare our servicemembers for a bright future. I'm proud to bring new construction to Selfridge and more resources to the M3 Initiative, creating opportunities and good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Let's keep working together to invest in our defense industry, develop a strong workforce, and shape the future of advanced manufacturing."

"This investment is another important step in strengthening Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Michigan's broader defense and aerospace ecosystem," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan DMVA. "From preparing Selfridge to welcome the F-15EX and KC46A to investing in the infrastructure, innovation and workforce that supports our defense industry, these investments demonstrate Michigan's commitment to national security and to the service members, communities and industries that make our state a leader in defense. We are grateful to Governor Whitmer and the bipartisan members of the Legislature for their continued partnership and commitment to ensuring Michigan is prepared for the missions and opportunities of the future."

"Investments like these strengthen Michigan's defense industrial base while building the advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and workforce capabilities needed to support our nation's security," said Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "From advancing critical capabilities at Selfridge to developing the skilled maritime manufacturing workforce our country needs, Michigan continues to demonstrate the depth and strength of our defense ecosystem. By leveraging federal resources and working alongside our partners, we will continue to position Michigan companies and workers to compete, innovate, and deliver the capabilities our service members need today and into the future."

Selfridge Air National Guard Base

$5.9 million will be used by IQM Research Institute - Ann Arbor to support the construction of a new Connected Vehicle Cybersecurity Center and System Integration Lab/Hardware Integration lab at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. This 25,000 square foot facility will be composed of labs, classrooms, vehicle storage, and administrative offices designed to bolster cybersecurity protections for military and commercial vehicles, supporting 107 good-paying construction jobs. The 'Make it in Michigan' Competitiveness Fund investment will be used to leverage $29.5 million in federal funding from National Defense Authorization Act.

These investments build on the $152 million supplemental budget investment secured in May , designated for infrastructure upgrades that are essential to preparing the base for the next generation of fighter and tanker aircraft and supporting the long-term future of one of the nation's premier military bases.

Selfridge Air National Guard Base is one of Michigan's most strategically important military bases, generating an estimated $850 million in annual economic impact, supporting approximately 30,000 jobs statewide and serving as home to units from nearly every branch of the U.S. military.

The infrastructure improvements build on the April 2025 announcement naming Selfridge as the future home of the F-15EX fighter mission and positions Selfridge to continue serving as a cornerstone of Michigan's defense and aerospace industries. The F-15EX announcement builds on the Air Force's earlier decision to station eight KC-46A Pegasus aircraft at Selfridge, replacing the installation's aging KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.

"For years, we were fighting just to keep what we had at Selfridge, but now, we've flipped that conversation. We're no longer talking about how to preserve Selfridge; we're talking about how to grow it," said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), who represents the Harrison Township base. "Because of critical state investments, we've secured new refueling and fighter missions, we were selected to host the Northern Border Mission Center, and now we're building a new lab that will expand our capacity to lead the nation in defense and innovation. This is truly a new era for Selfridge."

"Continuing to invest in Selfridge is a huge win for Macomb County and Michigan as a whole," said state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens). "Funding the new lab facility is a part of our larger push to support the base as a vital economic engine for Michigan. Selfridge contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to our state economy, supports thousands of civilian jobs and plays a crucial role in our national defense. This is the kind of investment that sets Michigan up for long-term success and security."

Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative

$3.6 million will support workforce training of high-wage jobs in shipbuilding and related maritime manufacturing industries. Through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), resources will be distributed to eligible employers to train up to 720 workers as part of the state's effort to revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry. Approximately 300 shipbuilding suppliers are located in Michigan. The 'Make it in Michigan' Competitiveness Fund investment will be used to leverage $8 million in federal funding from the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund administered by the US Department of Labor.

This builds on investments in the FY27 budget to grow Michigan's defense workforce and develop talent, including $3.5 million to grow the maritime manufacturing sector and strengthen the state's defense industry, create good-paying jobs, foster innovation, and attract new investment.

"Continued support and funding for the M3 Initiative will help position our lakeshore communities for long-term success," said state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). "These funds will support local jobs, move communities forward and attract new investment. By training young people and helping them enter the maritime industry, this funding invests in the future of Michigan's lakeshore and ensures it remains an economic driver for our state."

Launched in July 2024, the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative focuses on training workers in critical skills for maritime construction, such as welding and machining, through partnerships with community colleges. M3 also connects K-12 students with hands-on career and technical education, inspiring the next generation and creating strong pathways to careers in maritime manufacturing.

Growing Michigan's Defense Industry

In addition to these investments, the FY27 bipartisan budget delivers critical support for Michigan National Guard (MING) service members, veterans and their families:

• Provides $109.3 million to operate Michigan's veteran homes , ensuring veterans and eligible family members continue to receive high-quality long-term care.
• Invests $11.3 million in the MING Member Benefit Fund , expanding support beyond the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program to include new childcare and healthcare assistance programs for eligible Guard members.
• Allocates $8.5 million for County and Statewide Veteran Service Grants , strengthening local veteran services and expanding equitable access to earned benefits across Michigan.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.