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Taylor accepts $5 million MEDC grant to accelerate lead service-line replacements
Summary
Council approved acceptance of a $5,000,000 Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant to help locate and replace lead water service lines; officials said the funds will be used primarily for lead-line removal and related DPW infrastructure work, and the city will ask residents to help identify lead service lines.
The Taylor City Council voted March 18 to accept a $5,000,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Motion by Councilman Johnson, supported by Councilwoman Brandana, carried by voice vote after staff outlined how the funds will be used.
City speakers said the grant—obtained with assistance from state lawmakers—will primarily support locating and replacing lead water service lines and may also fund park and recreational infrastructure tied to Department of Public Works projects. Staff said the funding was awarded with support from Senator Geiss and that the city will use the money to accelerate replacement of hazardous lead lines.
Officials described outreach plans to help identify homes with lead lines, including mailers, informational cable shorts and requests that residents provide photos or meter information. Staff suggested simple at-home checks such as the “penny test” on exposed pipe and noted that water-meter photos can sometimes help identify pipe types; they also asked that plumbers indicate presence of lead service lines when pulling permits if possible to speed identification.
Council members and staff noted the grant amount as significant and said the city intends to move quickly to replace lead lines once they are located. No formal roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript; the mayor called for voice votes and declared the motion carried.
