Gov. Whitmer’s budget invests in clean water, lower costs and healthy families

Executive recommendations include  investments in water, utility affordability, and healthy homes workforce

LANSING, MI – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today highlighted Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s budget recommendation that invests in Michigan’s water infrastructure, water and energy affordability, rural clean energy, and training new workers for home weatherization and clean energy jobs. 

“The investments outlined by Governor Whitmer will help ensure safe, affordable drinking water while lowering monthly bills and addressing kitchen table issues affecting our families,” said Nick Occhipinti, state government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “The Governor’s budget supports rural communities investing in clean energy technology; it also replaces dangerous lead service lines, and upgrades stormwater and failing septic systems that leak E.coli into our rivers and shut down our beaches while endangering our health.”

Key provisions in the Governor’s budget proposal include:

• $80 million for Lead Service Line Replacement and Water Infrastructure Investment ($30 million ongoing and $50 million one-time general fund) to support local communities with grants and low-interest loans for replacing lead service lines, installing stormwater management systems, and upgrading aging infrastructure.

• $7 million for a Septic System Database to establish a statewide record of septic systems, helping protect our lakes and streams from contamination.

• $6 million for Water Affordability Grant Programs helping local water utilities offset costs while ensuring access to drinking water at home for Michiganders with financial burdens. 

• $15 million for Dam Safety and Management to remove, maintain, and conduct engineering studies on critical dams, improving community safety, restoring river health, and enhancing wildlife habitats.

• $35.8 million for Workforce Development to establish an apprenticeship program for utility infrastructure employees, expand weatherization efforts to lower energy costs for low-income residents, and train workers to build energy-saving, cost-cutting affordable homes.

With federal funding mired in uncertainty, Michigan is stepping up to secure taxpayer dollars and invest in local communities.  As budget discussions continue, Michigan LCV urges lawmakers to build on these investments to ensure every Michigander – regardless of income or zip code – has access to clean water, sustainable energy, and high-quality, good-paying jobs.