Additional contractors, plumbing inspectors sought to accelerate lead pipe replacement in City of Benton Harbor

As part of an accelerated effort to replace all leading service lines in the city of Benton Harbor within 18 months, additional service line replacement contractors are being sought and two plumbing inspector positions have been advertised by the State of Michigan. This is part of a comprehensive, nationwide effort to ensure that residents have access to safe drinking water.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for senior service line replacement at Benton Harbor in 18 months, and the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has allocated nearly $ 20 million to Benton Harbor to expedite the service line replacement schedule. Governor Whitmer also signed an executive directive implementing an all-hands-on-deck approach to urgent progress in replacing the city’s top service lines.

As part of this effort, the City of Benton Harbor is looking for additional contractors to complete the replacement of various lead / galvanized water pipes across the city. You can find more information on the website of the engineering company Abonmarche and the offer period ends on December 17th.

In addition, the state is seeking applicants to fill two part-time or full-time positions for plumbing inspectors stationed in Benton Harbor. Applicants must apply online by December 13th at the latest.

For residents of the City of Benton Harbor, there are no costs for replacing lead lines. To ensure that the work can be completed as soon as possible, residents are advised to fill out the water pipe replacement contract available online. Contractors are not allowed to start work on a property without the permission of the property owner. Completed forms can be returned to Abonmarche, 95 West Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, or emailed to. be sent [email protected]

To reduce the risk of city dwellers becoming exposed to lead during service line swaps, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and local paid residents continue to provide complimentary bottled water. Benton Harbor residents are encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing food, and mixing powdered infant formula.

To arrange water delivery to the home or residents without transportation in Benton Harbor City, contact 211, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phones unable to reach 211 should contact 844-875-9211. The next schedule for mineral water pickup is:

Tuesday November 30th
• Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Avenue, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, 214 E. Britain Avenue, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Wednesday December 1st
• Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (self-service)

Thursday December 2nd
• Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (self-service)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, 214 E. Britain Avenue, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
• Brotherhood of All Nations, 1286 Monroe Street, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Friday 3rd December
• Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (self-service)

Saturday 4th December
• Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, 600 Nate Wells Sr. Dr, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm,
• Harbor of Hope Seventh-day Adventist, 769 Pipestone Street, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Click here to learn more about these helpful water usage tips.

Additional dates and locations for bottled water collection will be added to ensure community needs are met. Information is posted on Michigan.gov/MiLeadSafe.

The ongoing response at Benton Harbor includes the city, the Berrien County Health Department, local community organizations, MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

To ensure the continued success of the bottled water dispensers in Benton Harbor, and to recognize the city dwellers who have donated their time and talent, the state of Michigan worked with local agencies to pay city dwellers who provided state aid. operate sales outlets for bottled water. Individuals who wish to help distribute water as community ambassadors should connect with an established distribution point. Individuals or groups who wish to serve as unpaid volunteers can click here to register on United Way’s online platform.

MDHHS is making long-term efforts to correct excess lead action levels, educate communities about the effects of lead in drinking water, and remove lead service lines.

These efforts include recently approved funds to remove lead from homes in the city. Families living in Benton Harbor can apply for this service by completing and submitting an application available online. Click here to apply. Residents can also call 866-691-5323 for information.

If you have any questions about lead, MDHHS can be reached Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 866-691-5323

You might also like

Comments are closed.