Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Releases Third Part of State Water Strategy, Announces $158 Million in Water Infrastructure Investments
Recommendations call for protection and restoration of water quality and investment in water infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Office of the Great Lakes today released the third part of Michigan’s Water Strategy, a comprehensive, collaboratively-developed plan for the protection and wise use of Michigan’s water resources.
Part three of the Strategy defines goals and actions for the protection of water quality, restoration of areas impacted by legacy pollution, investment in green and grey infrastructure and innovation in water technologies to improve drinking water and wastewater systems. The strategy details efforts needed to educate the public about the benefits of well-maintained infrastructure, including clean beaches, delivery and treatment of safe drinking water, management of wastewater and stormwater, healthy ecosystems and enhanced recreational and economic opportunities.
As part of the Strategy release, the MDEQ also announced $158 million in low interest loans awarded to local municipalities to fund infrastructure projects that improve water quality and protect public health. The loans include more than $3.6 million in principal forgiveness.
“It’s essential to keep our waters clean from sources in groundwater, lakes and rivers to end-of-pipe delivery points to sustain the ecosystem and provide high-quality resources to our citizens, said Office of the Great Lakes Director Jon Allan. “This investment by the state and our communities in enhanced and well-maintained water infrastructure is critical to protecting public health, fish and wildlife, recreational opportunities and our local economies.”
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) programs provide low-interest loan financing for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure improvements. A portion of SRF and DWRF funding is provided via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through capitalization grants.
With interest rates below those otherwise available on the open market, funding infrastructure projects through these two state-administered loan programs allows recipients to pass the savings along to their customer base. Find information about the local units of government receiving loan assistance on this fact sheet at www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/water_infrastructure_Loan_Projects_Fact_Sheet_534309_7.pdf.
Gov. Rick Snyder called upon the Office of the Great Lakes to develop the 30-year, ecosystems-based plan to protect, manage and restore the state’s water resources. Part one was released June 10 and part two was released July 27. The final part of the strategy will be released this fall.
Find information about the Water Strategy, join in stewardship efforts, and follow updates atwww.michigan.gov/waterstrategy.
The DEQ is dedicated to respect for Michigan’s citizens, stewardship of the environment, and support for a sustainable economy.
Contact
Rachel Cromell, 517-284-5047,
Michael Shore, 517-388-9211,
