U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) today announced that he secured $7.2 million in H.R. 7776, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), for the City of Grand Rapids and Cascade Township. The funding will support the Cascade Township Watermain Project and will help remediate existing drinking wells that are currently contaminated with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This project will extend watermain and water service to approximately 225 properties within Cascade Township, ensuring hundreds of West Michiganders access to clean drinking water.
“I am proud to have secured this critical, much needed funding for West Michigan,” said Rep. Meijer. “Exposure to harmful PFAS contaminants is one of the most pressing environmental and public health issues facing our nation, and I am grateful to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for recognizing how important this funding will be for households in Cascade Township and their ability to access clean drinking water. We have a long way to go to better our understanding of and response to PFAS, but the funds for West Michigan included in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act are a step in the right direction.”
“I appreciate Congressman Peter Meijer’s support of the $7.2 million funding request to expand distribution of safe and high-quality municipal drinking water by the City of Grand Rapids water system. The water and wastewater infrastructure project will safely extend Grand Rapids watermain and water service to properties that are currently using water wells otherwise at risk of contamination. I thank Congressman Meijer for championing this request that will provide high-quality water services in an environmentally safe and efficient manner to those serviced by the Grand Rapids Water System,” said Mark Washington, City Manager, City of Grand Rapids
Background:
WRDA is bipartisan legislation that provides funding for improvements to our nation’s waterways, flood control, and coastal resiliency projects. It also provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water resources development projects and studies. From improving our ports and harbors, to protecting our homes and businesses from flood damage and restoring and protecting national ecological treasures, the policies and projects enacted by WRDA are critical to our daily lives. Since 2014, Congress has proven that bipartisan WRDAs can be developed and passed on a biennial basis because of their lasting impact on all 50 states, territories, and Tribal nations. This year, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee welcomed non-committee members to share their top priorities for WRDA 2022, including funding requests.
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