LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 11, 2021) — Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) issued the following statement regarding his support of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed infrastructure grants for the MI Clean Water Plan that was presented as part of her budget recommendations before the joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees this morning:
“Our state’s future depends on the ability to steward our incredible resources, and it is clear our governor knows this. We must ensure everyone has reliable access to clean, safe water, and — where appropriate — hold those accountable who don’t have Michigan’s best interest at the forefront of their actions.
“The effects of climate change and pollution like PFAS on our natural resources and infrastructure are real and cannot be ignored. It is time we acknowledge these facts and rightfully dedicate funds to improve our water infrastructure as a top priority. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to pass this budget in the best interest of Kalamazoo County residents and people across our state.”
The appropriations recommended in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal specific to water infrastructure enhancements include:
- Infrastructure Grants for MI Clean Water Plan
Address sewer overflows and increasing green infrastructure ($235 million) and substantial public health risks by removing sewage discharge to surface water and ground water ($20 million). Eliminate failing septic systems ($35 million).
- High Water Resilient Infrastructure Grants
Support high water level and resilient infrastructure and planning grants to local governments for projects that address issues like coastal erosion, flooding, transportation networks, urban heat, and storm water management ($40 million).
- Dam Safety Emergency Fund
Available funding for emergency response in situations where the dam owner fails to pay for the necessary work and in instances where dam owners are unwilling or unable to mitigate hazards caused by dam malfunction ($15 million).
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