{"id":839,"date":"2023-09-05T19:29:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T19:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/?p=839"},"modified":"2025-08-11T12:28:45","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T16:28:45","slug":"lakeshore-district","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/2023\/09\/05\/lakeshore-district\/","title":{"rendered":"Sen. Hertel Brings Funding Back to Lakeshore District to Invest in Clean Water Infrastructure\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Sen. Hertel secures $12 million for water infrastructure projects across District 12 that will improve residents\u2019 quality of life and protect Lake St. Clair for generations to come<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/span>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 \u2014 often referred to as the unofficial sixth Great Lake \u2014 has a significant impact on the region as it supplies drinking water to 4 million people and generates <\/span>$1.6 billion<\/span><\/a> in economic activity, supporting more than 18,000 jobs. <\/span>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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/09\/Image-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Image 1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” enable_caption_text=”on” image_caption_font=”||on||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

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\u2019ve recently enjoyed with their family swimming, sailing or fishing on the water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>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 \u2014 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/09\/Image-2-Thumbnail-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Image 2 + Thumbnail” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” enable_caption_text=”on” image_caption_font=”||on||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/span>“Water is essential to our identity and way of life in our lakeshore community,\u201d said Hertel. \u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/span> \u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/span>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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2023\/09\/Image-3-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Image 3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” enable_caption_text=”on” image_caption_font=”||on||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Investments to upgrade water infrastructure in District 12 incude:<\/span><\/p>\n