State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) delivers a speech on the House Floor on April 24, 2024, in the State Capitol Building.
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 1, 2024 — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) announced over $10 million in clean water grants for Albion and Springfield last month. The investments are part of a $267 million grant dispersal EGLE is awarding to local governments across the state to build or fix water infrastructure. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek), whose district includes Albion and Springfield, commended the state’s decision to support Calhoun County’s infrastructure needs.
“Access to clean drinking water is a human right, and households in Albion and Springfield deserve to use water from their tap knowing it is safe,” Haadsma said. “I am happy to see this funding come through for our communities to revitalize the pipes and sewer systems families rely on every day. Improving water infrastructure not only makes drinking from the tap safer, but reduces maintenance costs for working families.”
The city of Springfield is receiving more than $3 million to replace 16,000 feet of water main and lead service lines, as well as to replace a water main that runs through an existing sewer manhole. Albion is receiving over $7 million for the construction of a 1 million gallon elevated water storage tank, and the replacement of 19,800 feet of water main and service lines. Albion will also see upgrades to its water treatment plant and the installation of flow meters.
“It is clear that these grants will have an extensive impact on the health of our water systems,” Haadsma said. “The lead service line replacement and sewer maintenance in Springfield is essential for both protecting the health of residents and curbing the risk of flooding. I am also excited to see the benefits the new elevated water storage tank will bring to Albion, as it will provide greater storage for potable water for drinking and fire protection.”
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