LANSING, Mich. (March 24, 2022) — Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) today issued the following statement after the supplemental appropriations bill package passed the Michigan Legislature. These bills include Kent County-specific funding, as well as significant investments in clean water and infrastructure programs:
“This legislation delivers on so many levels for the people of my district — and really, the whole state of Michigan — who have been so resilient in the face of so much uncertainty and upheaval. Whether it is continuing the work of combatting PFAS in our drinking water, expanding high-speed internet access, ensuring we have enough affordable housing, or helping to keep one’s current home amid difficult financial circumstances, these supplemental funding bills address it.
“While I plan to continue my work on these matters to ensure they are prioritized beyond the immediate, post-pandemic timeframe, I am pleased to support this bipartisan agreement to appropriate a significant portion of the federal dollars intended to address the pressing needs of our constituents and our communities.”
The legislation includes funding for:
- Water
- More than $1 billion for safe drinking water funding, including help for communities tackling toxic contaminants including PFAS
- $712 million for a clean water grant and loan program, including assistance to protect public health and to fix failing septic systems
- $50 million for hydration stations in schools and childcare facilities
- Housing
- $250 million to expand high-speed internet access
- More than $121 million to help prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, or foreclosures
- $322 million in emergency rental assistance to support low-income renters that have experienced significant financial hardship from the COVID pandemic
- $50 million to expand affordable housing
- Parks/Recreation
- $200 million for local parks and trail infrastructure, including $55 million just for the Grand River Greenway in Grand Rapids, which will help rehabilitate and expand 26 acres of corridor that include the Coldbrook Community Center, Canal & Sixth Street Parks, Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Lyon Square, Market Avenue Park, and more
###