Operating Engineers 324 Applauds Governor Whitmer for Authorizing the Final $700 Million of the Rebuilding Michigan Plan

Bloomfield Twp, MI – Operating Engineers 324 today applauded Governor Whitmer for calling on the Michigan Department of Transportation to authorize the final $700 million of the Rebuilding Michigan Plan.

“Michigan’s infrastructure remains one of our most pressing concerns as a state,” said Operating Engineers 324 Business Manager Douglas Stockwell. “The members of Operating Engineers 324 have been answering the call, rebuilding Michigan roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, and will continue to do so well into the future. Aided by the release of the $700 million in bonds as referenced in the State of the State, we support Governor Whitmer’s continued efforts to build a better state through dedicated investment.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and Legislature to find permanent solutions to road, bridge, and infrastructure funding for Michigan.”

Operating Engineers 324 represents 15,000 members statewide operating the heavy machinery that propels construction on the roads, bridges, buildings, energy plants, pipelines, airports, and nearly every large-scale project in the state, including cranes, dozers, trucks, excavators, and countless other equipment. OE324 also represents and trains the technicians who fix and repair this as well as highly skilled Stationary Engineers who operate and tend complex boiler and HVAC systems and perform highly technical building maintenance.

“Since my first day in office, we’ve gotten to work moving dirt and pouring concrete to fix our damn roads and bridges, but there’s always more work to do until we get the job done right,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m adding another $700 million to road work this year through the Rebuilding Michigan Plan. To date, we’ve fixed 20,000 lane miles and 1,400 bridges, supporting over 45,000 jobs without raising taxes. This last phase includes key projects like 94 near Detroit Airport, 696 from Southfield through Warren, and a bridge in Erie Township. I’m proud of our progress, yet mindful of the work ahead to ensure Michigan’s infrastructure meets the needs of all its residents.”