State grant provides $300,000 toward lead line replacements

Photo shows the replacement for an old lead line in the trench up to the house. Several of the 100 older homes in the Village with lead pipes have already been replaced under a statewide program that gives communities 20 years to do the remediation. (Photo courtesy Village of Manchester)

by Marsha Chartrand

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently announced $65.9 million in MI Clean Water Grants to help communities upgrade water infrastructure and protect health and the environment.

The City of Manchester was the recipient of a $300,000 grant, earmarked by State Sen. Jeff Irwin and obtained through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. This will allow the City to replace approximately 55 lead service lines this year.

Accepting the grant obligates the City to take a slightly different direction for future replacements. In the past, the Village was able to choose its own contractors and at times was able to utilize the DPW crews for some of the jobs. Utilizing grant funds means that state-approved contractors must be used. However, this will allow the lead-line replacement projects to get focused on and completed in a timelier manner, along with freeing up DPW time for its own projects.

“As in everything, there are trade-offs,” said City Manager Michael Sessions. “I think this will be one that is worth it.”

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.