Bridge Michigan reporter Kelly House and Circle of Blue reporter Brett Walton moderated a Zoom discussion for Bridge readers with three experts about the state and region’s decrepit water infrastructure.
MI ENVIRONMENT
Clean Water Champion: State rallies to meet challenge of neglected infrastructure in Michigan
Date: May 12, 2021
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Infrastructure needs are great in Michigan. The costs for maintenance, repair or replacement are a financial commitment to ensure facilities can continue serving residents efficiently and safely.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2018 Report Card for Michigan s Infrastructure and the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission Report each highlighted underinvestment in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, schools, transit, water and sewer systems, railways and energy systems. The ASCE Report Card cited estimates that drinking water system owners in Michigan are underfunding improvements for Safe Drinking Water Act compliance by as much as $563 million every year. The Great Lakes and its connecting waterways provide drinking water to approximately 5.3 million Michiganders, so issues that affect the health of the lakes also have an
MI ENVIRONMENT
EGLE s Clean Water Public Advocate to become Michigan Infrastructure Council s executive director
Date: April 28, 2021
The Michigan Department of Treasury recently announced that Ninah Sasy, who has led EGLE s Office of Clean Water Public Advocate, will become the executive director of the Michigan Infrastructure Council, effective April 29.
In an email to EGLE staffers, Liesl Clark, the department s director, expressed her thanks to Sasy for her excellent work in establishing and leading the Office and noted her work that has built a rock-solid foundation of tools, strategies, and relationships that will support the success of the next Clean Water Public Advocate.
EGLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today announced the launch of Drinking Water Awareness Week starting Monday, May 3, which will also include Private Residential Well Awareness Day on May 4. The weeklong series of educational events is designed to help Michiganders understand where their water comes from and provide tips for residents to ensure that their family has healthy drinking water. As stewards of 21% of the world s fresh surface water, my administration has worked tirelessly to ensure that all families have access to clean drinking water, said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. In partnership with EGLE, MDHHS, and MPART, we are proud to launch Drinking Water Awareness Week. Throughout the week, we will help Michiganders learn more about their water supply and continue addressing issues like PFAS, lead, and other contaminants.
EGLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Drinking water conservation effort to be launched in Benton Harbor and Highland Park
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced today that its Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate has launched a new initiative to reduce water waste in communities throughout Michigan. Called the Water Leak Pilot, the new program highlights the benefits of reducing water waste for consumers, water suppliers and the overall community.
Approximately 100 Benton Harbor residents and 100 Highland Park residents will be the first in the state to benefit from the new initiative and receive free in-home plumbing repairs.