House Republicans Propose $152M for Selfridge Runway Upgrades

Lawmakers aim to secure new fighter mission at Michigan air base before 2028.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Michigan House Republicans are proposing a $152 million budget supplemental to fund runway upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The funding would replace existing runways to support 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets and a KC-46A Pegasus refueling squadron. Speaker Matt Hall said the state must act quickly to meet an accelerated timeline and deliver the supplemental to the governor's desk before spring break.

Why it matters

Securing the new fighter mission at Selfridge is seen as critical for the local economy, with the base and surrounding defense corridor accounting for roughly $1 billion in economic impact for Macomb County. Lawmakers argue the state must take the lead on funding the runway upgrades to ensure the mission is in place by 2028.

The details

The proposed supplemental would replace Selfridge's existing runways with updated infrastructure capable of supporting the new fighter jets and refueling squadron. Speaker Hall said the state can move faster than the federal government, and wants to ensure the mission is in place while former President Trump is still in office to help secure it.

  • The new fighter mission was announced last spring following a White House meeting between Hall, Whitmer, and Trump.
  • Hall said the Legislature must move the funding quickly to begin runway construction this year and keep the fighter mission on schedule for 2028.

The players

Matt Hall

Michigan House Speaker and a key proponent of the $152 million supplemental for Selfridge runway upgrades.

Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Governor who must sign off on the supplemental funding if it passes the Legislature.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President who was involved in the announcement of the new fighter mission for Selfridge last year.

Ron Robinson

State Representative expected to sponsor the $152 million supplemental.

Alicia St. Germaine

Macomb County Republican who represents a district near Selfridge and supports the new fighter mission.

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What they’re saying

“To do this in 2028, we can't rely on the federal government to pay for these runways.”

— Matt Hall, Michigan House Speaker (wzmq19.com)

“We want to ensure that this happens while President Trump is still there so that he can ensure that we truly get this fighter mission.”

— Matt Hall, Michigan House Speaker (wzmq19.com)

“If Selfridge were to fall, how many other businesses, both large and small, would be in jeopardy?”

— Joe Aragona, Macomb County Republican (wzmq19.com)

“Those jets fly over our houses. They're loud, and we say from District 62, bring it on.”

— Alicia St. Germaine, Macomb County Republican (wzmq19.com)

What’s next

The supplemental must still pass the House and Senate before heading to Governor Whitmer's desk. Hall said he hopes the Legislature can move the funding quickly to begin runway construction this year and keep the fighter mission on schedule for 2028.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the importance of Selfridge Air National Guard Base to the local economy in Macomb County, and the state's desire to take the lead on securing critical infrastructure upgrades to ensure the base retains its new fighter mission by 2028.