The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has awarded $80 million in loans for water and sewer projects intended to boost drinking water quality and protect public health in a number of cities.
The funding comes from federal-state programs that provide loans for water-related infrastructure upgrades.
They offer loans with lower interest rates than those on the open market, as well as loan forgiveness opportunities.
Among recipients were the Great Lakes Water Authority in southeastern Michigan; Monroe County; and the cities of St. Joseph, Highland Park and Saline.
Also, the Huron River Green Infrastructure Drainage District got funding for street tree planting to reduce phosphorus runoff and bacterial contamination.
