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Natural resources

Senator Peters Secures Funding for Great Lakes, Michigan's Water Infrastructure in Appropriations Bill

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Sen. Gary Peters' efforts to protect and preserve Michigan's water resources have secured crucial funding for the state's water infrastructure and great lakes restoration. As Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Peters has been instrumental in passing the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which includes vital funding for Michigan's water infrastructure and environmental initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bipartisan legislation provides critical funding for Michigan's water infrastructure, including $3,000,000 to deliver clean, safe drinking water to residents of Grayling Township whose water wells have been contaminated with PFAS.
  • Funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been secured, ensuring continued support for cleanup projects in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
  • $1,000,000 has been allocated to improve water reliability in Grand Blanc, reducing inefficiencies and water loss for residents and businesses.
  • $36,000 has been provided to update the wastewater system in St. Ignace, while $1,000,000 will be used to improve the Freud and Conners Creek pump stations.
  • $1,000,000 has been allocated to improve wastewater management in Oakwood, Mich., while $1,370,000 will be used to upgrade the disinfection system at the K.I. Sawyer Wastewater Treatment Plant in Marquette County.
  • Funding has also been secured for drinking water system improvements in Pontiac, lead service lines replacement in Redford Charter Township, and a new drinking water well for the Village of Bellevue.
  • $550,000 has been provided for the preservation of the historic Charles Lang Freer House at Wayne State University.
  • The bill includes nearly $3 billion to support National Park Service operations and $1.91 billion for Tribal programs, including Indian Health Service operations.

Statistics:

  • Since inception in 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has invested $4 billion in over 8,000 projects to combat the greatest threats to the Great Lakes.
  • $4.25 billion has been allocated for wildfire suppression, with $2.85 billion for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund.
  • $2.85 billion has been allocated for Tribal programs across the Department of the Interior and the Indian Health Service.
  • $1.91 billion has been allocated for the Bureau of Indian Affairs' operations, representing an increase in funding.
  • National parks in Michigan attract over 2.5 million visitors annually.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senator Gary Peters, "Senator Peters Secures Funding for Great Lakes, Michigan's Water Infrastructure in Appropriations Bill"
  • "Great Lakes Restoration Initiative," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (no date)
  • "Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund," U.S. Forest Service (no date)
  • "Bureau of Indian Affairs," U.S. Department of the Interior (no date)
  • "National Park Service," U.S. Department of the Interior (no date)

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