Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad says now is a time of great change in the city. Speaking Monday, he said with the ongoing lead issues with water in homes, the federal and state government have stepped up to offer major resources.
“The city of Benton Harbor at this current time is sitting on $69.1 million, which is unprecedented,” Muhammad said. “$45 million of infrastructure project as we talk about infrastructure. Another ten million for lead line removal. The governor leaned in, another nine million to address all homes.”
That’s in addition to $5.1 million left in ARPA funds. Muhammad said with expanded state support for lead, all lead lines in homes, not just from the street to the home, can be replaced. He noted landlords will also not be required to shoulder the entire burden, but can share the cost with the state.
