Gov. Whitmer visits first lead service line replacement construction site in Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited a construction site in Benton Harbor where the first lead service lines (LSLs) are being replaced.

This follows her commitment to replace 100% of the city’s LSL’s in 18 months.

The governor also attended a weekly local community meeting and listened to local leaders and residents.

She underscored the executive directives she signed, funding she has secured, and looked ahead to the $1.3 billion Michigan is expected to receive from the bipartisan federal infrastructure package for water infrastructure improvements.

“Today, I visited a construction site in Benton Harbor where we are moving dirt to replace 100% of lead service lines in the city,” Governor Whitmer said. “I am proud of the progress we are making, and I look forward to much more. I am confident that we can meet our goal to replace 100% of lead service lines in Benton Harbor within 18 months and utilize the $1.3 billion headed our way from the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill specifically for water to protect safe drinking water in every community.

Later, I attended a weekly community meeting and heard directly from people on the ground doing the work to help residents. We will not rest until every parent feels confident to give their kid a glass of water knowing that it is safe.”