Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced 16 new funding commitments from the state's revolving fund programs that will assist local units of government in making needed improvements to wastewater collection and treatment facilities, as well as public drinking water systems.

The funding announced today through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) totals $36,190,000 and will be distributed in the form of low-interest loans backed with funds from the federal Recovery Act which will allow for 40 percent of each principal loan amount to be forgiven. The program enables these communities to make important improvements to their infrastructure and pass on the cost savings to their customers.

"We continue to make huge strides in protecting and enhancing Michigan's precious water resources," said Director Chester. "In funding needed infrastructure improvements, these loans also stimulate construction activity and represent a real investment in Michigan's environmental and economic future."

The funded SRF projects will see wastewater infrastructure improvements in eight communities across the state. These include the following communities and total project costs:

·          City of Port Huron - $1,020,000

·          Allen Creek Drainage District - $275,000

·          Hamburg Township - $2,110,000

·          Bingham Township - $1,375,000

·          Garfield Township - $1,100,000

·          City of Coldwater - $4,125,000

·          City of Buchanan - $2,945,000

·          City of L'Anse - $1,160,000

These commitments bring SRF financing awarded to Michigan communities to date to over $3.3 billion. These projects are further examples of the commitments being made by local units of government in Michigan, even in difficult economic times, to ensure protection of the state's valuable water resources and the public health of its citizens.

The funded DWRF projects will see water system improvements accomplished in the following communities:

·          City of Port Huron - $280,000

·           City of Ypsilanti - $260,000

·          Ypsilanti Community Utility Authority - $600,000

·          Van Buren Township - $11,075,000

·          Lansing Township - $1,060,000

·          City of Howell - $5,295,000

·          Brownstown Township - $1,975,000

The projects financed by these loans will help ensure compliance with the requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and protect the public health of system users. Since the inception of Michigan's DWRF program in 1998, over $554 million in assistance has been tendered.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq .

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised by Linda Crawford on July 9, 2009.