City of East Lansing Launches Property Owner Assistance Program for Basement Backup Protection

By Press release submission

Jan 15, 2022

City of East Lansing issued the following announcement on Jan 10.

The City of East Lansing has officially launched its Property Owner Assistance Program for Basement Backup Protection, which is designed to financially assist East Lansing property owners in reducing the potential for sewer backups in their basement.

East Lansing City Council approved Policy Resolution 2021-19 at its December 21, 2021 meeting, allocating $500,000 of the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for full or partial reimbursements to East Lansing property owners for the professional installation of a backflow prevention valve or equivalent private infrastructure at their home, business, rental property or other property. Prior to applying for a reimbursement, property owners will need to hire a licensed plumber/contractor to perform the work and the plumber/contractor will need to obtain a plumbing permit from the City of East Lansing's Building Division. An approved final inspection by the Building Division will also be required.

In addition to offering this program to property owners seeking to have this work done in the future, the program will also be offered retroactively to property owners who have already had this work done on or after March 3, 2021, subject to all eligibility and application requirements.

Upon receipt, review and approval of a program application and all required attachments, the City of East Lansing will reimburse 100 percent of the first $1,000 of the eligible cost and 75 percent of the eligible cost exceeding $1,000, up to a total reimbursement of $3,000. For example, if a property owner's actual cost is $2,500, then the City will reimburse $2,125 (100 percent of $1,000 and 75 percent of $1,500). Reimbursements will be limited to one total payment of $3,000 per property owner and per property.

This program will be available through June 30, 2024 or until all allocated funds are expended. In the event that demand exceeds funding, the City may consider allocating additional funding to the program.

East Lansing property owners can find additional information about the program and an application at www.cityofeastlansing.com/BackupProtectionProgram. Printed copies of the application are also available at East Lansing City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, and the East Lansing Department of Public Works, 1800 E. State Road.

Original source can be found here.