State lawmakers are proposing using one-time federal funds to underwrite a $2.5 billion investment in Michigan’s water infrastructure.
The bill would use grants and loans to help pay for dam repairs, lead pipe replacement and other water related projects.
Senate Bill 565 includes:
- $680 million for the creation of grant and loan programs to repair the most critical of Michigan’s dams
- $600 million matching grant program for the replacement of lead pipes across the state
- $700 million to upgrade local drinking water and wastewater facilities
- $85 million to ensure students have access to safe water by installing filtered water stations inside schools
- $100 million in grants to remove the chemicals from “orphaned” sites.
- $290 million in bonds to assist communities with upgrading and replacing water treatment infrastructure
State Senator Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) says he wants money to go to projects that will make a difference.
“It’s what we needed to do long-term,” says Bumstead, “it’s going to be money well spent.”
In recent years the Flint water crisis and the Edenville dam failure highlighted the need to update Michigan’s aging water infrastructure.
A spokesman says the governor’s office is looking forward to working with the legislature on infrastructure.
