Jackson, Mich. — The City of Jackson has announced that it will receive a total of $16.5 million in funding from the State of Michigan to improve Jackson’s water infrastructure.
The money comes from a mix of American Rescue Plan funds, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, and a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan. Of these funds, the City will be responsible for repaying a $4.1 million 20-year loan. Jackson’s status as a disadvantaged community with a large number of lead service lines qualified the City for these funds.
According to the City, staff is still finalizing plans for implementing the funds, but so far $9 million of it will be used for the replacement of lead service lines over the next 30 years. 381 of the 11,339 known lead service lines in the City of Jackson have already been replaced, leaving 10,958 to go.
The remaining $7.5 million has been set aside to replace water mains and make improvements to Jackson’s water treatment and wastewater systems.
Jonathan Greene, City Manager, thanks his staff for securing this “game changer,” and says that the City will be paying less money over time, lowering the cost burden for residents.
