Work can begin on a secondary water source for Flint, Michigan, after the Flint City Council voted 5-4 to award a contract to build a $14.7 million pipeline that would supply the city if the main transmission line is out of service.
The pipeline will connect with Genesee County’s Karegnondi Water Authority.
This project, along with a reservoir reconstruction project also approved by the city council, are part of a larger group of projects funded by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.
New Coalition Advocates for Minnesota Water Infrastructure Projects
A new, nonpartisan alliance of legislative, city, business, labor, engineering and environmental leaders recently called for the Minnesota Legislature to invest at least $300 million in water infrastructure projects that would provide clean drinking water, reduce pollution, improve public health, create approximately 7,200 jobs and generate a financial impact of $1.8 billion that would help revive COVID-19-ravaged local economies.
Members of the Fix the Pipes alliance say with at least a $300 million bond package that is part of ongoing infrastructure upkeep, many communities can begin replacing aging water and wastewater treatment systems immediately pending legislative approval.
State Sen. David Senjem of Rochester says he understands the financial challenges facing municipalities – especially during this historic economic downturn.
“The Senate Capital Investment Committee has traveled to many communities and seen firsthand the need for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements,” says Senjem, who chairs the committee. “Nearly every city has needs that outstrip available local funding.”
EPA Announces $16 Million in WIFIA Loans for Courtland, New York
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $16 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the City of Cortland, New York, to support a portfolio of sewer rehabilitation and water main replacement projects. This WIFIA loan will help this small community in upstate New York protect public health and the environment by helping provide safe drinking water and dependable wastewater services.
“EPA is acting on its commitment to infrastructure investment by providing this important support to the City of Cortland. It will help the city finance critical sewer rehabilitation and water main replacement related project costs,” says EPA Region 2 Administrator Pete Lopez. “The City of Cortland serves as a key gateway in New York’s southern tier and this investment in water infrastructure will yield positive environmental results for years to come.”
