LANSING, Mich. — Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) today announced that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has allotted $25.8 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects in his district. These projects include a $6.3 million upgrade for Ecorse Creek in Taylor and a $19.5 million relief sewer project in Allen Park in Wayne County.

“This is a great example of how we can use stimulus money wisely and invest in the well-being of Michigan,” said Basham. “These projects will result in good-paying jobs for Michigan construction workers to work on these improvements as well as protect the health of our citizens, the Great Lakes and our abundant water resources.”

The recent passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will provide funds for targeted water quality protection projects across the state. Michigan is expected to receive $168.5 million for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and $67.5 million for Drinking Water Revolving Funds (DWRF) in 2009 and is required to spend at least 20 percent of the funding on projects to address “green” infrastructure, water or energy efficiency improvements, or other environmentally innovative projects.

# # #