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DEARBORN, MI - Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement applauding Governor Whitmer’s executive directive to use federal infrastructure funds to replace lead service lines across Michigan and ensure clean water for Michiganders. The federal funding is part of the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes clean water provisions that Dingell championed.

“From Flint to Benton Harbor to Hamtramck, there are increasing numbers of Michiganders without access to clean drinking water. Families have come to me with tears in their eyes – wondering how we can protect their children from lead poisoning and ensure clean drinking water in their schools. It’s simple: we need to replace every single lead service line in Michigan.

“The first step to addressing this challenge was getting these water infrastructure funds across the finish line and to the President’s desk. Our next priority is working with state and local officials to expedite the release of these funds. I’m committed to closely monitoring this process and ensuring each federal dollar is used efficiently. We need to work with urgency to replace all the lead service lines across Michigan – it’s critical to improving overall public health, ensuring our children are safe and healthy, and creating good-paying jobs for Michigan workers. I applaud Governor Whitmer for her swift, proactive efforts on this strategic plan and look forward to working together so that no one has to go without clean drinking water.”

Dingell has long led the fight on ensuring safe and clean drinking water for every single American and prioritizing the full replacement of lead service lines nationwide. In addition to securing federal water infrastructure funds through the Infrastructure investment and Jobs Act, Dingell helped secure $10 billion for lead service line replacement included in the House-passed Build Back Better Act.

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