June 23, 2010

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced five new loan commitments today from the revolving fund programs to aid communities throughout Michigan in making needed infrastructure improvements.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) provides low-interest financing for local units of government to make needed improvements to wastewater collection and treatment facilities, while assistance from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) finances improvements to public drinking water systems. The loans announced today total $9,585,000.

With interest rates well below those otherwise available in the open market, funding infrastructure projects through the DNRE's programs allows communities to pass the savings along to users of their water and wastewater systems.

The funded SRF projects will see wastewater infrastructure improvements in three communities across the state totaling $4,375,000. The city of Manistee financed $705,000 for the next phase in the city's combined sewer overflow control program, Hamburg Township financed $3,265,000 to do improvements to its aging infrastructure and wastewater treatment plant, while the Allen Creek Drainage District, located within the city of Ann Arbor's limits, financed $405,000 for the installation of porous pavement to help reduce nonpoint source pollution to Allen Creek and the Middle Huron River.

These commitments bring SRF financing awarded to Michigan communities to date to over $3.6 billion. These projects are further examples of the commitments being made by local units of government in Michigan to ensure protection of the state's valuable water resources and the public health of its citizens.

The funded DWRF projects will occur in two more communities across Michigan and total $5,210,000. The city of Manistee will finance $465,000 to provide well improvements and replacement of water mains, while Exeter Township, in the county of Monroe, will use $4,745,000 to see new water mains being constructed. The projects financed by these loans will help ensure compliance with the requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and protect the public health of system users. Since the inception of Michigan's DWRF program in 1998, over $640 million in assistance has been tendered.

The DNRE is committed to conserve, manage, protect, and promote accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environmental, natural resource, and related economic interests for current and future generations.