The Daily Dig
On October 28, 2026, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined federal, state, and local officials to break ground on a $152 million runway project at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan. The work will realign and expand the base’s runway to support the F-15EX Eagle II fighters and KC-46 Pegasus tankers headed its way.
The project has bipartisan backing and was funded earlier in 2026.
“This groundbreaking marks another important step in preparing the base for its next generation of missions,” said Gov. Whitmer.
Wheels Up for New Iron
The runway upgrade is tied to a change in aircraft. The Michigan National Guard’s 127th Wing is trading the A-10 Thunderbolt II for the F-15EX Eagle II, a move announced in April 2025.
They’re also swapping the KC-135 Stratotanker for the KC-46 Pegasus. The 127th Wing expects both conversions within the next five to seven years.
“Breaking ground on this project represents a significant investment in the future of Selfridge and the military readiness it provides to our state and nation,” said U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Road Work Ahead
The runway is only part of the work around the base. A portion of William P. Rosso Highway between Interstate 94 and Jefferson Avenue is being relocated and rebuilt to support the base’s future mission requirements.
That job includes roadway realignment and drainage improvements, along with related modifications. The state, Macomb County, and military partners are working on it together.
Snapshot:
Project: Selfridge Air National Guard Base Runway Project
Location: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan
Sector: Military / Aviation Infrastructure
Value: $152 million
Scope: Runway realignment and expansion
Status: Groundbreaking held October 28, 2026
Funding: Bipartisan, funded in 2026
Officials at Groundbreaking: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; Michigan DMVA officials; federal, state, and local leaders
Supported Missions: F-15EX Eagle II fighter and KC-46 Pegasus tanker
Aircraft Transition: A-10 Thunderbolt II to F-15EX; KC-135 Stratotanker to KC-46
Aircraft Conversion Timeline: Next five to seven years, per the 127th Wing (runway completion date not provided)
Host Unit: Michigan National Guard 127th Wing (1,400+ Airmen)
Related Project: Relocation and reconstruction of part of William P. Rosso Highway between I-94 and Jefferson Avenue
Related Scope: Roadway realignment, drainage improvements, related modifications
Partners: State of Michigan, Macomb County, military partners
Base Economic Impact (Selfridge overall): About $850 million to Michigan’s economy; 30,000 jobs statewide
Prior Mission Announcement: KC-46A tanker mission, January 2024
TheJobWalk Thoughts
A runway realignment and expansion at an active Air National Guard base is rarely a simple paving job. Airfield work on military installations typically means phasing around flight operations and meeting base access requirements for crews. The release doesn’t spell out either one for this project, so subs eyeing the work should ask early.
The runway and the Rosso Highway relocation together put roadway, drainage, and paving scope in play around the base. The release doesn’t name a contractor or any bid packages yet, but earthwork and site utility firms have good reason to keep Selfridge on their radar.
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