Federal Rescue Funds Support Michigan Drinking Water, Wastewater Projects


But much more funding is needed.

American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding has now supported $140,471,648 in grants to 24 Michigan communities to address drinking water and wastewater infrastructure needs. Congress approved this funding in 2021 to stimulate the economy when it was recovering from the pandemic.

The funds are part of $1.9 billion in one-time money for water needs approved by the Legislature in late 2021 – but the amount is far short of the need. A task force appointed by former Governor Rick Snyder estimated the annual gap between water infrastructure needs and available revenue to be $16.2 billion over 20 years.

In giving Michigan a D for its drinking water infrastructure in 2018, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimated the annual unmet need at $284 million to $563 million. Michigan has a long way to go in supplying adequate drinking water systems statewide, and will need a new long-term revenue source.

ARP funds were awarded to communities that submitted applications under the State Revolving Fund (SRF) revolving loan programs for both drinking water and sewage projects.

Drinking water projects include lead service line replacement, water main repairs and replacements, and upgrades to drinking water assets such as new wells, filter membranes, and pressure-reducing valves. Clean water projects include sewer system rehabilitation, combined sewer overflow elimination, improvements to wastewater treatment plants and collection systems, lagoon improvements, and nonpoint source mitigation projects.

 “These federal funds, combined with aggressive investments from Michigan’s state budget, are helping communities protect the state’s freshwater resources, and to ensure consistent, healthy drinking water for Michiganders,” said Paul McDonald, Finance Division director of the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). “Michigan is home to the planet’s greatest freshwater ecosystem. This helps ensure we are good stewards of this incredible resource.”

Drinking Water Projects

Benton Township $5,175,000
City of West Branch $2,610,000
City of Hamtramck $795,000
City of Muskegon Heights $3,000,000
City of Reed City $3,505,000
City of River Rouge $585,000
City of Ironwood $3,000,000
City of Cheboygan $6,723,150
City of Escanaba $19,999,974
City of Grand Ledge $4,300,000
City of Muskegon Heights $8,400,000
City of Onaway $5,165,000
City of Saginaw $15,000,000
City of Inkster $7,115,625
Village of Baldwin $1,959,920
Village of Westphalia $60,000
City of Owosso $1,011,250

Wastewater Projects

Augusta Drain Drainage District $1,330,600
City of Cheboygan $2,188,000
City of Grayling $1,523,000
City of Hartford $372,500
City of Inkster $9,701,629
City of Three Rivers $4,215,000
City of Reed City $14,000,000
Village of Paw Paw $1,875,000
Wayne County $957,000
City of Lansing $15,850,000


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