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City of Grand Rapids receives state funds to identify lead lines

Aerial shot of downtown Grand Rapids
City of Grand Rapids

The City of Grand Rapids was among several communities to receive funds from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. EGLE awarded $11.7 million in Michigan Clean Water grants.

The department says the MI Clean Water Plan aims to help communities ensure clean drinking water, as well as to help manage wastewater to protect public health and Michigan’s natural resources.

Grand Rapids was awarded nearly $200,000 to help identify lead lines. The funds will go toward the field verification of a minimum of 383 service lines. That’s out of more than 84,000 lines in the city.

According to EGLE, the project will include the applicable restoration of areas to original condition after field work occurs at these locations. The department adds, the inventory is required by law and is necessary to identify the locations of lead lines prior to removal.

The department says funding comes as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the state Legislature, and federal agencies have ramped up funding for aging water infrastructure..the department says is a critical move to help ensure those water systems continue to protect public health and the environment, including the state’s freshwater resources.

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