Eastpointe plans $10M lead water service replacement ahead of federal deadline

In a special meeting held on January 23, 2025, the Eastpointe Planning Commission reviewed a comprehensive six-year capital improvement plan aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure. The meeting, led by Ryan Curran from Anderson Eckstein and Westrick, highlighted significant upcoming projects funded through various sources, including federal aid and local funds.

The capital improvement plan outlines critical infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on major street reconstructions and water main replacements. Notably, the next phase of the 9 Mile reconstruction project, extending from Gratiot to Tuscany, is set to commence in March 2025. This project, which has received 81.85% of its funding from federal aid, is expected to be completed by August 2025. Additionally, a substantial federal earmark of $44.38 million has been allocated for the third phase of the 9 Mile project, which will extend from Tuscany to I-94, with construction anticipated in 2026.

The city is also addressing local street conditions through a joint sealing program and an annual pavement patching initiative. These efforts aim to extend the lifespan of existing streets and prevent costly full reconstructions. Curran noted that the city has successfully divided its maintenance efforts into districts, allowing for systematic improvements across Eastpointe.

Water infrastructure improvements are also a priority, with ongoing projects to replace aging water mains, particularly along Gratiot, which date back to the late 1920s. The city has made significant progress in replacing lead water service lines, with nearly 2,000 services replaced to date, well ahead of the federal deadline of 2034.

The meeting also touched on sewer system rehabilitation efforts, with a citywide cleaning and televising program completed to assess the condition of the sewer infrastructure. The city plans to allocate $750,000 annually for ongoing sewer rehabilitation, addressing critical defects identified during the assessment.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting underscored Eastpointe's commitment to improving its infrastructure, ensuring safety, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The planning commission anticipates further developments as these projects progress, with a focus on securing additional funding and addressing the community's infrastructure needs in the coming years.