EGLE grant to help Muskegon Heights cover cost of replacing aging water lines
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WOOD) — A grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will provide more than $19 million to overhaul Muskegon Heights’ water system.
Improvements are needed to replace the aging and undersized pipes and to ensure they meet the latest requirements for lead and other potential contaminants issued by the State of Michigan.
The grant is part of the MI Clean Water Plan and is supported by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Interim city manager Melvin C. Burns II told News 8 that the funding will help prevent rate hikes that would otherwise be needed to cover more costs of the project.
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The city will receive $19.8 million in all. Last year, city officials estimated work in 2024 would cost $24 million. Without assistance, the estimated rate for the average customer would have gone up approximately $26 per month to cover the costs.
According to EGLE, two key water mains will be replaced: Broadway Avenue from Glade Street to Reynolds Street and Sanford Street from Oakwood Avenue to Norton Avenue.
“These funds will allow the city to continue to make upgrades and repairs to its water distribution system and continue with the replacement of lead water supply lines to hundreds of Muskegon Heights residents and businesses,” Burns said.
This isn’t the first time EGLE grants have helped along water infrastructure projects in Muskegon Heights. Just last year, the city received two grants totaling $11.4 million to help cover water main and service line replacements.
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