The ongoing effort to improve Jackson’s water infrastructure is getting a big boost from the State of Michigan, following a recent $16.5 million funding allocation. The total fund amount comes from a mix of American Rescue Plan funds, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds and a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan.
Plans call for using $9 million of the funding for lead service line replacements. With the City working toward replacing more than 11,000 service lines over the next 30 years, the funding will help accelerate the replacement effort and lower the overall cost burden on the City.
City administration has set aside the remaining $7.5 million for water main replacements and improvements to Jackson’s water treatment and wastewater systems. The majority of the funds come from grants, meaning the City is only responsible for paying back a $4.1 million low-interest loan over 20 years.
The City of Jackson qualified for these infrastructure funds due to its status as a disadvantaged community with a large number of lead service lines. City Manager Jonathan Greene thanks City staff for securing these funds. “Thoughtful work from our staff has resulted in this big game changer for our lead service line replacements,” Greene said. “Getting this funding means improved water quality for everyone in Jackson and we will be paying less money over time, lowering the cost burden for our residents.”
City staff are currently finalizing plans for implementing the funds. Of the 11,339 lead service lines known in the City of Jackson, 381 have been replaced as of this summer, leaving 10,958 yet to be replaced.