$27.1M in clean water grants will help Michigan’s water infrastructure and more

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), announced that $27.1 million in grants were awarded to cities, villages, and townships across the state to protect public health and Michigan water systems.

According to the MI Clean Water Plan , the grants used will help communities upgrade aging infrastructures, make sure there is access to healthy drinking water, and protect Michigan’s environment. Within a news release sent by EGLE, 70% of Michiganders are served by more than 1,000 community water systems.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this assistance to so many Michigan communities striving to maintain aging water infrastructure while also keeping customer water rates in check,” said Phil Roos, EGLE director.

“Everyone deserves clean drinking water and healthy rivers and lakes. These grants help communities meet those needs for current and future generations.”

The EGLE’s news release breaks down how the grant will be used:

Grants through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund

• City of Escanaba for $18,930,000. This project includes collection system improvements in the City of Escanaba. Approximately 5,215 linear feet of sanitary sewer and 16 manholes will be replaced. An additional 2,285 linear feet of sanitary sewer lining, and 29 manhole lining replacements will also take place throughout the city. Approximately 2,808 linear feet of storm sewer and 30 manholes will also be replaced. The Ludington Street roof drains will also be disconnected. A new Ludington Street Lift Station will be constructed and will replace the existing Ludington Street and City Hall lift stations.

Grants via Emerging Contaminants in Small/Disadvantaged Communities Program

• Haring Charter Township for $3,000,000 to address PFAS.  The project includes construction of a new well. The drilling of the new well includes the well, a well house with treatment equipment, a meter, well controls, electrical power, and watermain necessary to connect the new well to the existing water system. Prior to constructing this new well, a hydrogeological study will ensure the well is protected from any nearby contaminants.  Water system extension to areas impacted by PFAS is the second phase of this project. Following connection to the system, all private wells will be properly abandoned. Onsite piping will be included as part of providing service to the proposed areas under this program.

Technical, Managerial, and Financial grants:

Eight water systems received grants for work in identifying or verifying lead service lines in preparation for replacement. The process to accomplish this effort includes hydrovacing on either side of each curb stop and performing in-building investigation to document service line materials. These projects include restoration to original condition of hydrovaced locations. Hydrovacing involves a piece of equipment using high-pressure water to cut and liquefy the soil, while simultaneously using a high-volume vacuum to remove the soil from the excavation.

The recipients and their respective amounts:

• Adams Township: $121,790
• City of Dowagiac: $600,000
• City of Grosse Pointe: $598,941
• Saugatuck Township: $258,000
• Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority: $599,650
• City of Grosse Pointe Park: $600,000
• City of Allegan: $600,000
• Village of Vicksburg: $600,000
• City of Ionia: $600,000
• City of Westland: $600,000

News release from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, July 12, 2024

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