“With this plan, we’re building on our work to improve our roads, water, and high-speed internet,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday. “I’m particularly proud of the fact that this plan makes the single largest investment in Michigan history in our state and local parks, empowering hundreds of local economies.”
Water infrastructure
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive directive Monday ordering state agencies to ready plans to quickly replace lead pipes using an influx of federal dollars from the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
WSV’s Dan Robinson lays out an argument as to why the United States must “take a moral approach to infrastructure, and design it with justice and resiliency in mind.”
The Biden Administration announced Monday newly accelerated efforts to prevent and mediate pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of “forever chemicals” known to cause harm to human health.
WSV’s Dan Robinson writes, “Who knew pipes and stormwater, roads and the electric grid, internet broadband access and housing would be such hot topics? With the infrastructure bills being considered by Congress, people from across the country and the political spectrum are debating these topics because they have such a direct impact on our lives. That impact can be felt in small communities like Three Rivers or in big cities like Detroit. And community-based groups aren’t waiting for government to be the only solution to problems.”
Local water utilities worried about getting hit with lawsuits and high cleanup costs are stepping up their lobbying of Congress as lawmakers move to regulate toxic chemicals found in drinking water. The bill, the PFAS Action Act of 2021, has garnered bipartisan support and two Michigan lawmakers, U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), are expected to bring the measure to the House floor for passage later this week.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2011 knew that chemicals used in fracking fluid can break down and form PFAS — potentially contaminating groundwater and drinking water — but approved them anyway, even though agency scientists acknowledged they could be toxic.
The Three Rivers City Commission will hold a public hearings at its next meeting on Tuesday, June 1 to consider updates to its user fee ordinance, including increases to the city’s water and sewer rates, as well as its 2021-22 FY budget.
The Three Rivers City Commission will be holding a special meeting tonight via Zoom at 6 p.m. Commissioners are expected to hold a public hearing to discuss a water-related infrastructure improvements grant, as well as an update to the city’s user fee ordinance. Among those user fees will be proposed increases to both city water and sewer rates beginning next fiscal year. Tonight’s meeting will include an opportunity for citizens to speak to the commission about these proposed changes.
Water and sewer rates in the City of Three Rivers are expected to increase in 2021-2022 as a result of unfunded mandates from the state related to lead water lines and water treatment, as well as local infrastructure projects slated for the next couple of years.
State and national experts on Thursday discussed the need to incorporate equity in current and future infrastructure plans while wrapping up the Michigan Environmental Justice Conference.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday a landmark investment in Michigan’s notoriously underfunded water infrastructure, prompting praise from environmental groups who say the action is a much-needed step in the right direction.