(The Center Square) – Multiple Michigan communities received millions in state funding for water infrastructure upgrades.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy granted $64.6 million through the MI Clean Water Plan to help communities address issues such as aging infrastructure, updated drinking water filtration requirements, and lead pipe replacement.
“Helping ensure healthy drinking water and safeguarding our Great Lakes and streams is a top priority for EGLE,” EGLE director Phil Roos said. “The combined targeting of federal, state and local dollars through these grant programs is helping move the needle on addressing long-overdue maintenance to our local water systems, and is an example of how EGLE and the Whitmer Administration are working to protect and enhance our water resources and public health.”
Bellevue village received $19.7 million to repair sewer mains, including adding new pipe lining.
The city of Manistique received $18 million to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant, expanding sewage capacity and improving screening.
Benton Township received $19.9 million for new water storage tanks, filter capacity improvements for the water treatment plant, replacing 150 lead service lines, and expanding the water main, the pipes that transport water to buildings.
Lansing, Saginaw, Muskegon Heights and four other communities each received thousands in funds for similar projects.
The state also granted funds to 14 water systems across Michigan to identify and prepare lead service lines for replacement across the state.
The state has spent more than $4 billion on upgrading water facilities since January 2019.
