Sen. Hertel secures $12 million for water infrastructure projects across District 12 that will improve residents’ quality of life and protect Lake St. Clair for generations to come
Nestled between the St. Clair River and the Detroit River systems, Lake St. Clair is an immense source of pride for the communities that rest along its beautiful shoreline. The lake — often referred to as the unofficial sixth Great Lake — has a significant impact on the region as it supplies drinking water to 4 million people and generates $1.6 billion in economic activity, supporting more than 18,000 jobs. From Grosse Pointe to Harsens Island, Michiganders can visit an array of vibrant small businesses including restaurants and marinas, as well as public parks with scenic lakefront views.
Lake St. Clair also provides millions of locals and tourists with endless avenues for leisure and fun as the lake is one of the major recreational boating centers in North America and a premier spot for fishing. Many longtime residents can recall their favorite childhood memories of the lake, and even new community members can tell you how many hours they’ve recently enjoyed with their family swimming, sailing or fishing on the water.
As a source of drinking water, economic prosperity and recreational opportunities, Michiganders depend on the health of Lake St. Clair. However, due to crumbling infrastructure, the lake has fallen victim to exponential algae growth, stormwater runoff mixed with partially treated sewage and elevated E. Coli levels. As a result, Michiganders residing in communities along the lake have experienced a slew of negative effects. After heavy rains, many basements and roadways flood — damaging family pictures, care and more in the process. Beach closures have also become a frequent occurrence, and some fishermen now choose not to eat their catch, afraid of the risks involved.
Sen. Kevin Hertel walks along Lake St. Clair as he speaks with constituents at Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores.
As someone who spent a great deal of time on the water growing up and now represents the communities along the shores of Lake St. Clair, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) understands the importance of the lake and the issues facing residents.
“Water is essential to our identity and way of life in our lakeshore community,” said Hertel. “For too long, however, residents have experienced the consequences of crumbling water infrastructure which has sent sewage into Lake St. Clair, closed beaches and contributed to harmful algae blooms. As a legislator, protecting this resource for current and future generations is one of my key goals.”
Throughout his time in office, Hertel has been a staunch advocate of policies and budget items that prioritize the quality of water infrastructure in southeast Michigan. In the 2024 state budget, Hertel fought for the inclusion of funding for water infrastructure projects across the state to replace lead service lines, rebuild sewers and more. Included in this appropriation was $12 million for projects in District 12 aimed at protecting Lake St. Clair and the health of residents. This brings the total amount of money secured by Hertel during his time in the Michigan Legislature to $92 million.
On the left, Sen. Kevin Hertel speaks with Harsens Island residents about the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. On the right, Hertel speaks with local leaders at the Chapaton Retention Basin in St. Clair Shores, where a new project to address combined sewer overflows is underway.
Investments to upgrade water infrastructure in District 12 incude:
- $5 million for the Chesterfield Interceptor to proactively address aging infrastructure in order to avoid catastrophes like sinkholes.
- $5 million for the Saint Clair Shores Martin Drain District to address combined sewer overflows and prevent millions of gallons of wastewater from flowing into Lake St. Clair which contributes to beach closures and harmful algae blooms.
- $2 million for Harsens Island to make critical updates to their batch wastewater treatment plant that will protect waterways, improve residents’ quality of life and allow small businesses in the Sans Souci district to thrive. Read more about the project here.
“These transformational investments in clean water allow our communities to both address aging infrastructure and proactively anticipate future needs,” said Hertel. “I am grateful for the inclusion of these funds in the state budget, and I look forward to continuing to build partnerships with residents, local leaders and fellow legislators as we work to ensure Lake St. Clair’s water quality is second-to-none.”
Read more from Senator Kevin Hertel at SenatorKevinHertel.com/press.