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Nearly $800K Coming to BH For Fire Truck & Water Meters

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The City of Benton Harbor is getting big money this year for a new fire truck and a water meter replacement program thanks to the state of Michigan’s Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships Grant Program. The combined total of the two grants is just under $800,000 of the $5.4-million being awarded to eleven municipalities across the state.

State Treasurer Nick Khouri made the announcement today, noting that municipalities like Benton Harbor can participate in the FDCVT Grant Program if they are experiencing one or more conditions indicative of “probable financial stress” as defined in state law. The grants fund specific projects, services or strategies—including infrastructure and public safety enhancements—that move a city, village or township toward financial stability.

The State Treasurer says, “I am pleased to announce that this year’s awards will help communities enhance infrastructure and public safety.” He adds, “These dollars will help improve the services residents depend on every day.”

Benton Harbor picks up $490,000 for replacement of an aging fire truck and a separate grant for $309,500 for “Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters.”

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For fiscal year 2018, $5 million was appropriated for the program with a $400,000 carryover from the previous fiscal year. The FDCVT Grant Program has a $2 million cap per municipality and grants are awarded based on applications submitted by the municipality.

The following communities will receive funding this year, with projects and amounts noted (alphabetical order):

City of Allen Park

Public safety enhancement through improved street lighting and a backup power source.

$319,321

City of Benton Harbor

Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine.

$490,000

City of Benton Harbor

Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters.

$309,500

City of Ecorse

Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters.

$720,000

City of Hamtramck

Public service enhancement through ADA accessibility infrastructure improvements.

$42,000

City of Hamtramck

Public service enhancement through infrastructure improvements.

$212,668

City of Harper Woods

Public safety enhancement through improved street lighting.

$150,000

City of Highland Park

Water system enhancement through water main replacement.

$625,000

City of Inkster

Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine.

$314,300

City of Inkster

Water system enhancement through water main replacement.

$500,000

City of Lincoln Park

Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine.

$420,000

City of Melvindale

Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters.

$720,000

City of River Rouge

Water system enhancement through combined sewer overflow basin repairs.

$357,000

City of Wayne

Public safety enhancement through replacement of an ambulance.

$190,968

All appropriated funding has been spent. No future rounds will occur in fiscal year 2018, however more information is available on the FDCVT Grant Program website.