North Michigan News

State Rep. Greg Markkanen on Tuesday joined the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in announcing nearly $10 million in grants awarded to the City of Ironwood, Oceola Township, the Village of Calumet, the City of Houghton, and Crystal Falls Township. The grants will fund lead service line and water main replacements.

“This funding is not just about numbers; it’s about investing in the well-being of our residents and ensuring that every family has access to clean and safe drinking water,” said Markkanen, R-Hancock. “Our Upper Peninsula community has been working tirelessly to secure funding for years. While this money won’t replace every lead service line in the U.P., these grants will make a huge difference.”

Every community in Michigan is required to have replaced all lead service lines by 2041, with at least an average of 5 percent of replacements happening each year.

The following communities are slated to receive state grants:

- City of Ironwood – $9,168,000 to replace around 15,300 feet of water main and service lines in the northwest area of the city.

- Oceola Township – $176,000 for lead service line replacement.

- Village of Calumet – $247,000 for lead service line replacement.

- City of Houghton – $250,000 for lead service line replacement.

- Crystal Falls Township – $200,785 for lead service line replacement.