Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am most effective at my job when acting on your direct input. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have regarding our community or state and with any policy ideas.

Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0822 or send an email to AngelaWitwer@house.mi.gov.

Sincerely,

Angela Witwer

State Representative, 76th House District

In This Issue:

  • Weekly Wrap-ups
  • In-District Update
  • Legislative Update

Weekly Wrap-ups with Witwer

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Please keep an eye out on my Facebook page (Facebook.com/AngelaKWitwer) for upcoming Weekly Wrap-ups and any event changes.

  • Friday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Delta Township District Library in the Elmwood Room.
  • Friday, Sept. 8: NONE.
  • Friday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Community Library in the Spartan Room.
  • Friday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. at TBA in Dimondale.
  • Friday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m. at Eaton Rapids City Hall.

In-District Update

Road Work Alert: I-96 at Billwood Highway

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will close a section of the Grand River to watercraft under I-96 at Billwood Highway in Eaton County for beam setting that began on Monday.

This work is part of a three-year, $44 million investment on I-96 to rebuild the eastbound and westbound I-96 bridges over Billwood Highway, the Grand River, and to perform maintenance on the I-96 bridges over M-99 and Washington Avenue. Most of the work will be completed in 2023 and 2024 with road construction and crossover removal taking place in 2025.

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HIGHWAY: I-96

CLOSEST CITY: Dimondale

START DATE: Monday, Aug. 14 at 8 a.m.

COMPLETION DATE: Friday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.

RESTRICTIONS: Signs notifying boaters to avoid the work zone will be placed at upstream and downstream access sites when this work is occurring. Buoy lines will also be in place to prevent boaters from entering the project area.

JOB NUMBERS: Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 532 jobs.

SAFETY BENEFIT: This overall project will improve and extend the service life of these structures. Closing roads during this type of work is necessary to provide the safest work area possible for crews and motorists.

Road Work Alert: Grand Ledge

M-43 resurfacing work in Grand Ledge began on Aug. 7. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is resurfacing M-43 (Saginaw Highway) between Rupp Road and Nixon Road in Grand Ledge.

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COMPLETION DATE: Friday, Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS: Drivers should expect lane closures on M-43. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.

SAFETY BENEFIT: This project will improve the ride quality and extend the service life of the roadway.

Tour of Michigan State Police Training Facility

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I toured the Michigan State Police training facility with my colleagues. We were able to experience the training track for driving. I was definitely not made to travel fast. These are great women and men trained to protect us.
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Eaton County Sheriff’s National Night Out

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I attended Eaton County Sheriff’s National Night Out at Delta Township’s Sharp Park with our Delta Township Clerk Mary Clark. The Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were there for people to meet our local heroes.

While talking to families, the Michigan National Guard flew in its Black Hawk helicopter. There was a touch-a-truck experience, and there was a champion officer in the dunk tank.

There are many fun events going on all the time in our district. Reach out if you would like me to attend.

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Rotary Club of Eaton Rapids

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I had the pleasure of joining the Rotary Club of Eaton Rapids to provide a legislative update and talk about the exciting wins for Eaton Rapids in the recently signed budget. Through this budget, we were able to secure $3 million for the Eaton Rapids Teen Center and $653,000 in funds from the Michigan State Land Bank Authority to demolish the former Horner Woolen Mill at the entrance of the city.

Maple Valley Back to School Bash

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My office was able to deliver backpacks for the Nashville Route 66 Business District’s Back to School Bash. This event supports Maple Valley area students and families by providing resources and school supply giveaways as well as hosting a fun night of games and other activities.

Legislative Update

Michigan Hands-free Law has Prevented 650 Crashes and Two Fatalities

New data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics shows an 11.2% drop in phone motion distraction since June 30.

Gov. Whitmer Announces ‘What’s Next Address’ in August

On Aug. 30, Gov. Whitmer will deliver an address detailing policy priorities for the fall. The governor is expected to discuss her proposals to expand opportunities, lower costs, make Michigan more competitive and protect individuals’ basic rights. You can stream the address on Facebook or YouTube.