Manitowoc Public Utilities wants to take advantage of funding to replace lead service lines around the city.
Water System Manager Rob Michaelson gave a presentation to the Manitowoc Common Council last night (February 19th) about what MPU wants to do to replace the lines through the Private Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
Michaelson says the city is getting a little more than $8 million from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Safe Drinking Water Program, part of the money the DNR got through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021.
About $4 million will be used in an area that was determined as disadvantaged by the DNR and will not cost homeowners any money to get the lines replaced.
“It’s still a voluntary program, but with it being no cost, it’s going to be very successful,” Michaelson explained.
Michaelson showed a map of the area the area that will be focused on which can be seen below.
You can see a picture of the area with this story at Seehafernews.com. Another area will get $4 million but will only get 75% principal forgiveness, meaning they will have to pay about 25% of replacement, and a third area is getting about $1.3 million with 50% principal forgiveness.
Michaelson says the principal forgiveness areas are determined by the Wisconsin DNR and not the city.
