Great Lakes Wire

On Aug. 18, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the significance of the MI Clean Water Plan, underscoring that water infrastructure enhancements in the state ensure clean drinking water access and simultaneously generate high-quality employment opportunities for local communities while protecting public health. She reiterated these points, emphasizing that the plan's benefits extend to Southeast Michigan.

"Thanks to our MI Clean Water Plan, we're able to upgrade water infrastructure across the state," Whitmer wrote in an Aug. 18  post on X, formerly Twitter. "These upgrades don't just ensure everyone has access to clean drinking water. They provide good-paying jobs for surrounding communities and protect our public health."

According to an Aug. 4 press release, Michigan communities are set to receive nearly $31 million in grants from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for various projects including water main work in Southeast Michigan, sewage disposal enhancements in Pontiac, and wastewater system upgrades in the Village of Prescott. These MI Clean Water Plan grants, facilitated through EGLE's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and Substantial Public Health Risk Project Program, aim to support communities in ensuring clean drinking water and effective wastewater management, safeguarding public health and Michigan's ecological assets. With over half of EGLE's budget typically allocated to local governments, Gov. Whitmer, the Michigan Legislature, and federal agencies have prioritized funding for aging water infrastructure, vital for the preservation of public health and Michigan's exceptional freshwater resources.

EGLE's mission involves safeguarding Michigan's environment and public health by efficiently managing resources related to air, water, land, and energy. Their vision is for a Michigan that values its residents, preserves natural resources, and fosters thriving communities across both peninsulas. Operating with reason and science, EGLE is dedicated to accountability, transparent communication, and leadership in making decisions that consider the future impacts of current actions.

The Michigan Council on Climate Solutions recently held a meeting on Aug. 22 chaired by Phil Roos, the newly appointed director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The meeting featured updates from Climate and Energy Advisor Cory Connolly, insights on climate and energy legislation by state Sen. Sam Singh, and an update on the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice from EGLE Environmental Justice Public Advocate Regina Strong.

Gov. Whitmer, a lifelong Michigander, is committed to achieving practical outcomes that bring about meaningful change in people's lives and shape a promising future for Michigan, according her the bio page. During her time as governor, she has enacted over 1,000 bipartisan bills and formulated four balanced budgets, effectively addressing everyday concerns, promoting economic expansion, and generating high-quality jobs across all corners of the state.