Governor Gretchen Whitmer today, in preparation for the federal funds Michigan is expected to receive specifically for water infrastructure from the newly-enacted federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, issued an executive directive (ED) to state departments and agencies to collaborate with the legislature and begin preparing the state to replace lead services lines (LSLs), build up water infrastructure, and continue prioritizing safe drinking water for every Michigander.
“Right now, we have an incredible opportunity to put Michiganders first by using the funds we will be getting under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure every community has safe drinking water,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “With this Executive Directive, we are accelerating the timeline to replace 100% of lead service lines in Michigan, prioritizing communities that have been disproportionately impacted, fostering enhanced collaboration across departments, and ensuring that the projects are built by Michigan workers and businesses. I look forward to working with the legislature to invest these dollars and get the job done.”
“We appreciate Governor Whitmer’s leadership and determination to prioritize water-protection work in the Great Lake State with the new federal infrastructure funds. Michiganders’ urgent water needs can’t wait.” said Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of FLOW (For Love of Water). “We must use this once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment to replace lead lines, modernize drinking water and sewage plants, and clean up PFAS contamination right away. This investment is essential to the public health and prosperity of families and communities, and will support good-paying jobs that cannot be outsourced. The Great Lake State will be shaped by our collective bipartisan support and response to rebuilding our water systems to ensure every resident has access to clean, safe, and affordable water.”
“The number one responsibility of a Plumber is to protect the health of the nation and help every family and community access safe drinking water,” said Jeremy Garza of the Michigan Pipe Trades Association. “The licensed plumbers of the United Association stand ready to help with safe and proper installation and replacement of Michigan’s potable water lines. We will work together to get the job done.”
- Putting Michigan workers and businesses first, prioritizing in-state businesses and workers as work to upgrade water infrastructure continues.
- Prioritizing lead service line replacement for communities that have been disproportionately burdened by lead in their drinking water and communities that require financial or technical assistance to utilize water infrastructure dollars.
- Helping local communities build infrastructure efficiently, using the “dig once” principle to complete work on water, high-speed internet, the road, and other utilities simultaneously wherever possible.
- Finding opportunities to layer in flooding resiliency to water infrastructure, incorporating lessons learned from this summer’s historic floods.
- Working with community colleges, trade associations, and unions to train new craftsmen that will build infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs.
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