Tri-City Sun

State Representative Brian BeGole is advocating for significant investments in water infrastructure improvements in Shiawassee County. The city of Owosso is set to embark on a major overhaul of its water and sewer systems, which have largely remained unchanged since the 1930s.

The planned upgrades include drinking water enhancements, wastewater treatment advancements, and sewer collection system improvements over several years. Key components involve replacing outdated nitrification towers and constructing a retention basin at the city's wastewater plant to meet regulatory standards and safeguard public health.

"Our focus for the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year should be delivering on the priorities a majority of people in our state have," said BeGole, representing Antrim Township. "One of these priorities is having good local infrastructure and committing available resources to producing good local roads and reliable utilities."

BeGole has requested $207.7 million for these projects. Of this amount, $119.7 million would be allocated to drinking water system improvements, including extensive water main replacements, well rehabilitation, lead service line replacements, and upgrades to an existing lime-softening water treatment plant.

The wastewater treatment investment totals $79.2 million and includes replacing nitrification towers and building a 5-million-gallon overflow retention basin to mitigate sanitary sewer overflows during storms.

An additional $8.8 million is sought for sewer collection systems work such as rehabilitating aging lines, replacing sanitary sewer interceptors, and enhancing river crossings like those at the M-52 bridge.

Owosso's utilities serve not only city residents but also surrounding areas through a shared system with Owosso Township, Caledonia Charter Township, and Corunna. This regional approach underscores the importance of modernizing infrastructure that supports much of central Shiawassee County.

"Modernizing such an expansive system is both complex and costly," BeGole noted. "In addition to creating basic reliability...these improvements will also expand our region’s ability to attract...new industry."

For transparency in the budget process, all funding requests are publicly accessible with detailed information available online at house.mi.gov/LegislativelyDirectedSpendingItems.