LANSING – State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Twp.) today hailed the news that Washtenaw County has received more than $9 million in loans for water system improvements that will create local jobs, enhance residents' quality of life and stimulate economic development.
"This is great news for these Washtenaw communities," Byrnes said. "These projects will allow for much needed improvements to our infrastructure. Enhancing our water systems will show job providers we're serious about making Michigan an attractive place to live, work, do business and raise a family."
The following areas received funding:
- Ann Arbor received more than $7.6 million to replace water mains and make upgrades to the water treatment plant.
- Village of Dexter received more than $2.1 million for a new well and water system improvements.
The funds were made available through the Department of Environmental Quality. Dexter and Ann Arbor also received almost $4 million in principal loan forgiveness from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
"Providing a safe water supply to our residents should remain a top priority," Byrnes said. "We can't afford to let more time go by without fixing the infrastructure that makes our state and communities run every day."