Michigan awards $267 million to rebuild state water infrastructure

(UI) — Michigan has awarded over $267 million in grants to cities, villages, and townships across the state to improve water infrastructure and protect public health. Funded through the MI Clean Water Plan, the grants will help address issues like lead water service line replacements, storm sewer upgrades, and water main replacements.

"Every Michigander deserves access to clean, safe water and as our state’s most precious natural resource, we have to do more to protect it," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. " Since I took office, we have made the largest investments ever to build or fix water infrastructure. Together, we replaced tens of thousands of lead pipes, upgraded sewer systems to reduce flooding, and protected our lakes, streams, and waterways. Today’s grants will upgrade water infrastructure in cities and towns across the state, from West and Southeast Michigan all the way to the U.P."

Michigan's water systems, many of which are aging, serve around 70% of residents. The MI Clean Water Plan aims to modernize these systems using state and federal funds, including the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Phil Roos, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), emphasized that these investments are more than just infrastructure upgrades. " As we invest in local water infrastructure projects, we’re not just upgrading pipes and pumps; we’re revitalizing communities, ensuring access to clean water, and reducing costs for residents," said Roos.

The grants, part of a broader effort to modernize Michigan's water infrastructure, will support dozens of communities statewide. Projects include rehabilitating sewer mains in Oakland County, water main replacements in South Haven, and lead pipe replacements in Marquette.

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