Dingell grabs $500,000 earmark for Manchester’s water treatment plant

Manchester’s Wastewater Treatment plant has been undergoing upgrades for several years now, but more infrastructure is needed as technology changes how water is extracted, treated, and discharged.

by Marsha Chartrand

City Manager Michael Sessions announced on Thursday that Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (M-06) has obtained $500,000 earmarked for the City of Manchester’s Wastewater Treatment Improvements to the Lift Station, EQ Tank, and Force Main Project.

“This is, obviously, not enough money for the entire project that is estimated to be $4 million,” Sessions said, “but there are opportunities to reallocate this project to other sanitary system needs, such as relinings, SCADA at the other lift stations, manhole fills, and the like. I made Rep. Dingell’s office aware that I was recycling the (larger) earmark request to Senator Gary Peters’ office, and they encouraged us to do so. They are kind of excited to get behind this project with Sen. Peters championing it, as the Senate has more clout than the House.”

Sessions did make a special trip to meet with Sen. Peters’ office in Lansing last week with what he considers “favorable results,” and he is looking forward to further conversations with both Congress members to further the City’s chances of getting additional funding for needed upgrades to the City’s aging wastewater treatment facility. He said that a request for “infrastructure, not just another football field” would likely be looked upon favorably; plus Sen. Peters seems eager to assist communities in the western Washtenaw area.

Dingell Wednesday announced that the partial FY2024 government appropriations package passed by the House included $12,833,163 for 14 local community projects in Michigan’s 6th district that will go directly to projects that improve local water treatment facilities and infrastructure, repair and upgrade roadways and sidewalks, develop and improve public spaces, and more.

“Our local leaders and organizations know what our communities need, from upgrades to our water infrastructure, much needed improvements to several of our roads, and enhanced pedestrian safety, to new and upgraded community centers and senior centers,” Dingell said. “I look forward to working closely with the recipients of these funds as they make progress on their respective projects and am optimistic about the great impact that will have for the residents of Michigan’s 6th district.

“The $500,000 for improvements to the Manchester wastewater treatment plant would be used to improve its wastewater treatment plant and will allow for the future growth of the City of Manchester,” she concluded.

Sessions added, “We will still be making application to Senator Peters’ office on the other sanitary needs for the Main Lift Station, EQ Tank, and Force Main.”

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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.