The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $100 million grant to provide water infrastructure upgrades for Flint, Mich.
The money will go to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and is provided by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016. It will enables Flint to accelerate and expand its work to replace lead pipes.
“The people of Flint and all Americans deserve a more responsive federal government,” EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said. “EPA will especially focus on helping Michigan improve Flint’s water infrastructure as part of our larger goal of improving America’s water infrastructure.”
In addition to the federal funds, the state is providing the required 20 percent match of $20 million.
“We are excited and very grateful to receive these much needed funds,” Flint Mayor Karen Weaver added. “The City of Flint being awarded a grant of this magnitude in such a critical time of need will be a huge benefit. As we prepare to start the next phase of the FAST Start pipe replacement program, these funds will give us what we need to reach our goal of replacing 6,000 pipes this year and make other needed infrastructure improvements. We look forward to the continued support of the EPA and federal government.”
“I appreciate the EPA approving this funding to assist with Flint’s recovery,” Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said in the release. “Combined with the nearly $250 million in state funding already allocated, this will help keep Flint on a solid path forward. It’s great to see federal, state and local partners continuing to work together to help with infrastructure upgrades and pipe replacements for the people of Flint.”
