Michigan lawmakers push new fund for lead lines, stormwater projects
(UI) - Michigan lawmakers are advancing legislation that would create a dedicated Water Trust Fund to support long-term repairs and upgrades to aging water and underground infrastructure systems statewide.
The proposal would establish a grant program focused on projects such as lead service line replacement, stormwater management, flood resilience, wastewater systems and drinking water access improvements. According to WLIX News, funding would come from a proposed royalty on bottled water withdrawals from Michigan water sources.
Supporters of the legislation, including the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, said the state has underinvested in underground infrastructure for decades, contributing to water main failures, flooding and deteriorating drainage systems. Industry groups argue a stable funding source would help communities better plan and prioritize infrastructure work before failures occur.
The legislation remains under review in a state Senate committee, WLIX reported. If approved, supporters estimate the program could generate roughly $300 million annually for water infrastructure improvements across Michigan.
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