4 West Michigan communities net EGLE grants for water infrastructure

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Four West Michigan communities will get help from the state to make water infrastructure upgrades.

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The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has announced another round of grants for the MI Clean Water Plan. The latest grants will provide $64.4 million for 24 communities.

Three grants will take up the bulk of the grant money: the city of Manistique, the village of Bellevue and Benton Charter Township will each receive between $18 million and $19.965 million to fund construction projects.

Caledonia Charter Township and the city of Muskegon Heights will receive grants to help them map out water infrastructure upgrades. Caledonia will receive $185,000, while Muskegon Heights will receive $118,400.

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The city of Norton Shores and the village of Lawrence will receive grants to help identify and verify lead service lines in need of replacement. Norton Shores will receive $407,928, while Lawrence will receive $432,000.

The MI Clean Water Plan allocates funds granted by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act. EGLE Director Phil Roos says the upgrades are key to protecting public health, the environment and Michigan’s freshwater resources.

“Helping ensure healthy drinking water and safeguarding our Great Lakes and streams is a top priority for EGLE,” Roos said in a statement. “The combined targeting of federal, state and local dollars through these grant programs is helping move the needle on addressing long-overdue maintenance to our local water systems and is an example of how EGLE and the Whitmer Administration are working to protect and enhance our water resources and public health.”

Michigan has more than 1,000 community wastewater systems across the state, and nearly as many drinking water systems. They serve approximately 70% of all Michigan residents.

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