Benton Harbor City Commissioners have voted to formally hire a consultant to help them seek funding for water system work needed throughout the community. At a Monday meeting, they approved a contract with John Young, a consultant with whom they’ve previously worked. He’s helped them navigate EPA rules for water improvements and to seek approval from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for an improvement plan. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said Monday officially hiring Young as a contractor will help the city with the next steps.
“Mr. Young has been very instrumental, and is instrumental and will be instrument in working with the EPA, working with EGLE,” Muhammad said.
Young told commissioners last month the city’s water system is running a deficit that will reach $27 million by 2032 without an infusion of cash. The goal of the city now is to seek about $2.5 million from the state to avoid that while also addressing issues at the water plant and with the distribution system. Young’s contact with the city will not exceed $60,000.
