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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2023
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
MI Clean Water Plan expands to include additional support for community water system upgrades
Since January 2019 the State of Michigan has invested over $4 billion to upgrade drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater facilities across the state, supporting more than 57,000 jobs, and the work is accelerating.
That?s why the state is expanding the MI Clean Water Plan to encompass additional funding streams flowing to Michigan communities to help them provide clean, affordable drinking water and efficient wastewater and stormwater management.
The MI Clean Water Plan was launched three years ago by Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighting comprehensive water infrastructure investments in Michigan?s water systems. Original funding sources included federal and state resources for lead service line replacement in low-income communities, asset management plans, lead service line identification, and contamination risk reduction.
Since the MI Clean Water Plan launch, additional resources have been dedicated through state funding programs and via federal resources, including Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and state fiscal recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The expanded plan includes those sources, and flexibility for additional grant and loan opportunities anticipated in the future.
The MI?Clean?Water Plan?confronts the large and diverse water infrastructure issues that face Michigan communities, such as lead-laden water service lines,?toxic contamination like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, undersized sewers, failing septic systems, unaffordable water rates,?and more.?
?Every Michigan community deserves reliable water infrastructure that meets their needs,? said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. ?Today?s expansion of the MI Clean Water Plan will help communities in every region of our state provide clean drinking water and build up efficient wastewater and stormwater management systems. Let?s work together to rebuild our water infrastructure, supporting good-paying jobs and revitalizing communities along the way, so anyone can ?make it in Michigan.??
?MI Clean Water was an unprecedented infusion of support for community water systems when it was launched, but now it has grown exponentially with additional resources and tremendous support from Governor Whitmer, the state legislature and federal sources,? said Aaron Keatley, EGLE chief deputy director. ?We want to include any and all support for our state?s critical water needs under this umbrella to amplify the incredible work taking place in communities across the state.?
EGLE will begin sending regular press release updates of MI Clean Water grants and loans helping communities address water infrastructure.
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