Lansing Sun

The federal government is set to pour millions of dollars into the city of Lansing’s infrastructure initiatives.

According to a Lansing's website, Mayor Andy Schor said that Congress has given the green light to a spending bill that will spur the construction of the projects. Schor praised the congressional delegation for making the proposed projects come to fruition.

“Lansing is not only the capital city, but also is a city with longstanding infrastructure needs," Schor said, according to Lansing's website. "These federal funds will support Lansing by ensuring sewer and water separation in underground pipes, providing new and up-to-date EMS equipment, and adding needed funds for a new Ovation concert venue. Thanks go to U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI), along with our amazing congresswoman, Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), for fighting for federal funding for our community.”

The city will receive $6 million for the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) separation project that will mitigate up to 1.65 billion gallons of raw sewage from winding up in the Grand River annually.

The CSO separation project is currently under construction to improve the water quality in the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers and will allow the city to improve other water-based needs like sewers, storm drains, water mains, natural gas lines and other utilities.

The city is utilizing the Lansing Board of Water and Light to help replace old water mains and services, along with the sewer installation.  

The Lansing Fire Department will receive $1 million for lifesaving equipment needs, and $750,000 will go towards a live music venue proposed for downtown called "Ovation."