With the signing of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package now complete, Benton Harbor can expect to get the remaining money needed to replace lead water service lines around the city. Speaking during a Monday meeting, Mayor Marcus Muhammad outlined things that have been done since 2018 to address the issue, noting there have been state grants and some progress since then. Work accelerated this year with the approval of a more than $5 million EPA grant. Since then, the state has come through with $18.6 million. About $11 million will still be needed. Muhammad talked about a recent trip to Lansing.
“I went to the House Oversight Committee to ask for another $11.4 million, which we will be receiving either through the APRA funds, or just recently President Biden has signed the infrastructure bill and I’ve been made aware that he is aware of Benton Harbor, and in signing it, we were in mind.”
Muhammad said Monday replacing a service line between the street and the home costs between $4,000 and $7,000, depending on the home. He predicted “better days ahead.” It is the state’s goal to have the necessary water lines all replaced within 18 months.
