There’s been plenty of work to the water system in Benton Harbor in the past year as efforts to replace lead service lines are nearly complete. However, there’s still more water system work to come. Speaking to Benton Harbor City Commissioners Monday, Jason Marquardt with Abonmarche said around $6 million remains of funds awarded to the city for the line replacements. On the horizon are water plant improvements, distribution projects, and sewer work.
“These projects are all projects that are definitely in need with sewer improvements,” Marquardt said. “We concentrated on a lot of water, and now we’re looking at the storm and sanitary [sewer] improvements.”
The city is looking at $4.8 million in water plant improvements and $21.7 million in water distribution improvements. Marquardt said sources of funding include the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Applications are being prepared and submitted, and Marquardt said the city will seek forgiveness of the funding. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said it’s remarkable the lead service line projects are being completed with funding left over, and much can be learned from that project to help with the work still to come.
