The Legislature has sent legislation to the Governor that would expand the current state-based Strategic Water Quality Initiatives Loan Program for communities. These bills will provide more flexibility and expanded options for those municipalities that need to fix its sewers and water pipes. This legislation will create a grant program designed to incentivize up front activities that will improve efficiency and will reduce costs.

The legislation will also create a State-operated loan program which will eliminate the red tape that was found with the federal loan program and will still maintain a separate State Revolving Fund (SRF). The bills also expand the pool of eligible communities to allow for more access to funding for disadvantaged communities. The League supports this legislation as these reforms will allow cities throughout Michigan to proceed with important infrastructure updates.

Nikki Brown is Legislative Associate for the League handling economic development issues.  She can be reached at nbrown@mml.org or 517-908-0305.