Adam RollinsThis story was originally published in the Government Contracting Pipeline newsletter from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. To have the latest government contracting news stories from across the country delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe.
The Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) will distribute $42 million to upgrade drinking water systems and associated infrastructure across the state. The projects will replace critical water mains, sewer mains, wells, drainage and storage tanks.
Some of the notable projects receiving funds include:
The South Haven Area Water Sewer Authority (SHAWSA) will receive $10.1 million to replace a century-old standpipe with an elevated storage tank. The updated tank will increase the reliability of the distribution system’s pressure. The system will increase local resiliency by looping and offering backup options for pressurization.
The funds will build on an additional $27.6 million from the state’s Drinking Water Revolving Fund to support distressed, vulnerable communities. The completed project will support more than 5,000 rural households. The Authority received an additional $9.2 million in September for separate water infrastructure projects, including building an elevated storage tank, booster station and replacing a water main replacement and 2,100 service lines.
The city of Standish will use $5.3 million to rehabilitate gravity sewer mains and manholes. The city will increase long-term climate change resiliency by reducing wastewater inflow into the nearby ground, improving valves and pumps throughout the system and supporting clean water supplies. Approximately 1,300 rural households will benefit from these projects.
Ironwood will receive $4.9 million to replace sanitary sewer mains, storm sewer mains and manholes. The resulting infrastructure will increase overall water system capacity and efficiency for underserved communities. The project will help approximately 2,300 residents and 300 commercial customers prepare for future climate change.
The Dryden Drain District will spend $4.9 million to increase the capacity of the drainage system, reduce overflows during high rain and melt events and improve stormwater quality. The project will help the district address seasonal flooding and drainage backups while simultaneously mitigating climate pollution and building resilience.
The USDA provided the awards through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants (WWDLG) Program. The program supplements critical utility infrastructure projects in rural areas, ensuring residents have access to safe water, disposal and reliable energy. The Michigan recipients are a selection out of 116 projects that will receive a portion of the USDA’s recently announced $1.3 billion to support rural utility infrastructure.
Photo by Pixabay
