Kildee Announces $250,000 for Genesee County Drain Commission

WASHINGTON - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the Genesee County Drain Commission would receive $250,000 in the final Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2006.  Kildee’s request was included in the Interior-Environment Conference Report, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier today.  Over the past five years, Kildee has helped secure more than $3.5 million for the Genesee County Drain Commission’s North-East Relief Sewer/Kearsley Creek Interceptor project.

“I am delighted that my funding request for this project was included in the final Interior-Environment Conference Report. These funds will enable Genesee County to continue to pursue a plan to restore the integrity of the sewer system by guaranteeing the efficient and secure removal of waste,” said Kildee.  “We must continue to commit the necessary resources for proper waste management to ensure the health and safety of our residents.”

The ultimate goal of this project is to construct 42 miles of sanitary sewer pipe and two pump stations in order to continue meeting the needs of the regional service area.  The wastewater system now operating in Genesee County was constructed in 1964 with a projected capacity for 25 years.  Currently, the County Agency has an overextended system that cannot meet projected flows as a result of the increased demand for adequate disposal in this region. Most importantly, this project will protect public health and the environmental health of local watersheds.

The Genesee County Drain Commissioner serves as the county agency that provides sanitary sewer collection and treatment for 32 local municipalities covering six counties.  This service area includes more than 680 square miles and provides service to over 180,000 residents and thousands of businesses and their employees.  Based on strong regional cooperation among the counties, this system is the second largest service system in Michigan and one of the largest in the Midwest.

The Interior-Environment Conference Report passed the U.S. House of Representatives today with Congressman Kildee’s support.  The bill is expected to pass the Senate and will likely be signed into law by the President.