Work has started in Benton Harbor to replace old lead water service lines. Meeks Construction crews could be seen digging into streets in neighborhoods to take out the lines on Monday. Congressman Fred Upton and Mayor Marcus Muhammad stopped by one home on Ogden to see the work firsthand. Upton helped to secure a $5.6 million federal grant to start the work, while the state has earmarked just under $20 million. Upton says he’s asking the EPA to do thorough testing of all homes in the city.
“Primarily, we want to know what the magnitude of the problem is,” Upton said. “How do we get folks tested? Who’s going to pay for it? Are we going to have the right resources to make sure that these lead lines are replaced, frankly not only here, but in every community?”
Mayor Muhammad said the first phase of the work will see nearly 900 homes serviced. Recent federal legislation also helps.
“This $5.6 million is going to take care of 888 homes,” Muhammad said. “We have $3 million from the Booker funds. The $5.6 got us started, but that’ll be a little over 600 homes with the $3 million from the Booker funds.”
Then comes the state money. Muhammad said not every home in the city is affected, which is why the lead testing is needed. Upton is asking the EPA for more information on its engagement with the state on the issue, a determination of filter efficacy, and how corrosion controls can be optimized. Muhammad said state programs will help residents who have lead plumbing inside their homes and not just outside. He also said he spoke with the EPA Monday and doesn’t believe it will mandate an outside entity take over the city’s water system.
