Public health and water resources protected with state grants

Michigan cities, villages, and townships recently received over $11.9 million in state grants to protect public health and the state’s water resources. These funds will support various projects, such as water main replacements in Scottville, stormwater rehabilitation in Pontiac, and efforts to identify lead service lines in multiple communities. The largest portion of the funding, about $8.7 million, will be dedicated to the Scottville project, which involves inspecting pipes for lead and replacing water mains in the small city in Mason County.

According to Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy spokesperson Hugh McDiarmid, a significant portion of the grants will be used for stormwater infrastructure projects, ensuring that stormwater and sewage are treated effectively before being discharged back into lakes and streams. This not only protects the environment but also safeguards public health. In addition, $415,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund has been allocated to Oakland County’s Joachim Drain Drainage District in Pontiac for the rehabilitation of storm sewer pipes and the drain outfall structure.

Other grants aim to help communities plan and afford water infrastructure needs across the state. For example, the village of Marion received $338,000, and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission in Clinton, Ingham, and Eaton counties received $759,000 in funding. Furthermore, four water systems were awarded grants for identifying or verifying lead service lines in preparation for replacement: Lyon Charter Township ($181,600), City of New Buffalo ($600,000), City of Saline ($600,000), and City of Milan ($269,311).

EGLE stated that more than 50% of its budget goes to local government agencies to support improvements that benefit residents and protect natural resources. These grants help subsidize infrastructure maintenance, ultimately reducing the need for water rate increases.