LANSING, Mich. July 21, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget. This budget included over $233 million for water infrastructure projects throughout the state. The City of Eastpointe secured almost $10 million for a lead service line replacement project in this year’s budget.

 “I am proud and relieved I could secure these much-needed funds for my district, especially after the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy released water sample results that showed several Eastpointe areas exceeded the lead action level,” said state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe). “These investments will help protect the health and wellness of our community and continue to ensure access to reliable and safe water.” 

The city of Eastpointe has faced lead-level-based challenges in its water for several years. Recently, Eastpointe collected samples from 60 homes with known lead service lines. From these tests, the department has found that the average contamination rate among the worst 10% of contaminated homes is 22 parts per billion (ppb), which exceeds the action level of 15 ppb. While these results are site-specific, every customer should be aware of possible sources of lead, how it gets into drinking water and things they can do to reduce exposure. Lead can enter drinking water when in contact with pipes, interior plumbing, fittings and fixtures that contain lead. Homes with lead service lines are at an increased risk of high lead levels in drinking water.

“I am grateful that, with the help of my colleagues, I can continue to fight for the water quality of my community. I applaud the city’s work on this project, as officials have worked tirelessly to find avenues for funding their lead line removal and replacement program,” Edwards continued. “The city has replaced a total of 687 verified lead water service lines since 2020, and continues to provide faucet filters, pitcher filters and replacement cartridges to Eastpointe residents.”

Other important budget wins included the largest investment in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every public-school student and more access to affordable pre-K, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public safety.

Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget wins for House District 12:

  • $2 million to support the Adult Literacy Opportunity Fund.
  • $500,000 to improve Eastpointe schools’ infrastructure.
  • $1 million for Helping Women Period Pilot, providing free menstrual hygiene products in schools.
  • $328 million to improve mental health and improve school safety.
  •  Increasing per-pupil funding from $9,150 to $9,516 to make historic investments in our kids.
  • $100,000 to the Optimist Club of Roseville.
  • $60 million for the Crime Victim Rights Fund.