Federal grant boosts Detroit’s sewer infrastructure with $20 million investment

(UI) — According to The Detroit News, FEMA has just unveiled a substantial federal funding allocation of $20 million, set to benefit both Detroit's Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood and the city of Hamtramck. This funding is specifically designated for the implementation of essential sewer system upgrades, marking a significant step forward in bolstering local infrastructure.

The primary objective of this funding initiative is to enhance the resilience of these communities against flooding and sewer-related challenges. Specifically, the new sewer infrastructure will provide safeguarding measures for over 600 homes in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood, effectively mitigating flood risks. Additionally, it is projected to extend protection to an estimated 24,000 residents, as highlighted in FEMA's official statement.

The Jefferson Chalmers area, situated on Detroit's lower east side, has a long history of vulnerability to flooding and substantial damage dating back to the 1950s. To address these issues, FEMA has allocated $11.2 million for the replacement of approximately 18,800 feet of combined sewer mains within the neighborhood.

This substantial upgrade will significantly bolster the sewer system's capacity, enabling it to withstand a 10-year, one-hour storm event. Furthermore, the project includes the expansion of existing sewer mains and the installation of new relief sewers, all aimed at reducing the risk of flooding and enhancing overall resilience.

The pressing need for these improvements became evident in the wake of the historic summer flooding experienced in 2021. During this period, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department received a staggering 29,636 claims, totaling an estimated $180.8 million in damages.

Hamtramck, another community within the Detroit metropolitan area, shares similar challenges, experiencing recurring basement and street-level flooding due to an undersized sewer system incapable of meeting current demands. To address this, the Hamtramck Phase 1B Relief Sewer Project will continue and expand upon a sewer relief initiative that was initially implemented in 2016.

The upgraded sewer system in Hamtramck will collect combined sewage from specific trunk sewers and redirect overflows to the existing Phase 1A relief sewer. Additionally, the project encompasses the installation of an overflow structure and relief sewer enhancements, all designed to alleviate surcharging issues and bolster the community's resilience against sewer-related problems.

These two vital projects have been selected as part of a competitive nationwide funding opportunity offered through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities fund. FEMA's decision to choose these projects is part of a broader effort that includes 124 projects across 115 communities in 38 states, representing a substantial $1.8 billion investment in resilience projects.

These projects are made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law championed by President Joe Biden, which allocates nearly $7 billion to FEMA. This funding is intended to assist communities in reducing their vulnerability to various climate-related hazards, including floods, hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and extreme heat.

The Detroit project aligns seamlessly with the ongoing Jefferson-Chalmers Water Project, a community-driven initiative focused on addressing the interconnected challenges related to water resource management in the neighborhood. Bounded by natural and enclosed water assets, the community's goals center on three key aspects: preventing sewage from infiltrating basements and canals, keeping stormwater out of the sewer system, and safeguarding the Great Lakes from neighborhood impacts.

Notably, in June 2021, the Jefferson-Chalmers Water Project published a comprehensive 72-page report titled "Toward Better Water Resource Management in the Jefferson-Chalmers Community," authored by resident Jay C. Juergensen. This report was released just prior to the devastating summer storms of 2021, which resulted in widespread surface flooding and basement backups across southeast Michigan.

Moreover, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department revealed plans in May for a $3.4 million initiative aimed at creating bioretention areas within the city. This initiative seeks to minimize basement backups and street flooding, with a target completion date set for the end of 2024.

Mitch Landrieu, senior adviser to the President and White House infrastructure coordinator, emphasized the critical role of these projects in helping communities nationwide contend with the effects of climate change, including droughts, extreme heat, wildfires, and floods. He highlighted President Biden's Investing in America agenda as a historic investment in the resilience of physical and natural systems, providing much-needed support to communities working toward a stronger and more resilient America.

Among the other selected community projects receiving funding are initiatives to strengthen the electrical grid in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, upgrade pipelines in the Central Utah Water Conservancy District to withstand seismic activity, and make crucial storm drainage improvements in Greenville, North Carolina.

This story was originally published by The Detroit News.

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