ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A newly announced bipartisan infrastructure deal between Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican Appropriations Chairs of the Michigan House and Senate will make significant, essential investments in clean water, renewable energy, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.

The deal, which is expected to now swiftly pass and be signed into law, will allocate more than $4 billion of supplemental funds from federal coronavirus recovery efforts, the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and state general funds. Highlights of the deal include an increase of more than $2.2 billion to the state water revolving funds, with a focus on replacing lead service lines and providing assistance to small and disadvantaged communities as well as to schools. The funds ensure that all lead-based service lines will be replaced in Benton Harbor. The allocation also includes significant resources for PFAS remediation, including $1.85 million to extend water mains in and around Oscoda to reach residents with contaminated wells. The appropriation also includes $450 million for local parks and trails, including $60 million for greenways in Detroit and $250 million for state parks and trail infrastructure, including creating a new state park in Flint.

“This bipartisan supplemental budget deal shows that clean water, clean energy and access to healthy outdoor spaces crosses partisan divides and unites Michiganders,” said Mike Shriberg, the Great Lakes regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation. “This move toward ensuring safe, affordable drinking water for all Michiganders is sorely needed and a major step forward in a state with major drinking water problems. No one should be without access to healthy water in the Great Lakes state, or anywhere. Funding for parks, trails and outdoor recreation — with a focus on underserved areas — will have a significant impact on our health, well-being and economy. We commend Governor Whitmer and Appropriations Committee Chairs Stamas and Albert for reaching this historic deal as a significant down payment on clean water, clean energy, and access to outdoor recreation.”