EGLE grant opportunity targets drinking water affordability, planning with focus on low-income households

Helping Michigan communities upgrade water infrastructure and keep drinking water rates affordable – particularly for low-income households – is the goal of a grant opportunity announced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Applications are due February 19, 2024, for $5.7 million in funding through the MI Clean Water Plan, which provides support improving drinking water quality and affordability.

“Ensuring healthy drinking water for all Michiganders requires a team effort because going it alone is not an option in some communities when it comes to removing lead pipes, replacing aging mains, and upgrading other backlogged water infrastructure,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “This is why we’re continuing to find ways to assist cities, towns, and villages, with a specific focus on the needs of underserved low-income communities.”

The State of Michigan has invested more than $4 billion since 2019 through the MI Clean Water Plan to upgrade local water systems.

Recipients can include Michigan water supplies, counties, townships, villages, and others. Applicants are required to complete the Affordability and Planning Grants Application (EQP1063) and attach a Project Workplan and Project Cost Detail. Applications and Plans shall be submitted to EGLE-CentralGrants@Michigan.gov.

There is no local funding match required for the grants, which are funded through Michigan’s general fund. Grant funding is restricted to activities that improve consumer affordability and/or drinking water quality. Eligibility will be project specific and determined on a case-by-case basis by EGLE pursuant to the scoring criteria included within the proposal. Eligible activities under the grant may include:

• Develop and implement an income-based water rate structure.
• Pursue and implement water system regionalization, collaboration, or consolidation efforts that improve water quality and/or affordability for residents. Efforts could include:
  • Planning costs related to water systems joining together in regional authority
  • Planning costs related to water systems connecting to other water systems
  • Water systems developing collaborative agreements to share services, equipment, bulk purchasing, and other operational costs
• Conduct drinking water distribution system leak detection studies and develop plans for resolving leaks in water systems that purchase water from another source.
• Develop or update project planning (e.g., engineering, design, and legal) or application documents needed to better position projects for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) funding.
• Planning costs to construct sewer laterals to connect low-income households* with failing septic systems to available public sewer.
• Planning costs to construct service lines to connect low-income households* with failing or contaminated private wells to available community water system.

*A low-income household is defined as less than 200 percent of federal poverty level. Individual households must be verified by the municipality.

Details about eligibility, the application process, and other information is available at the Affordability and Planning Grant webpage.

Seeking next generation of climate leaders to join the first cohort of the Michigan Healthy Climate Corps Program!

Apply by Jan. 21 to start your career as a climate professional and help accelerate climate action in Michigan

Note: This corrected version of a Jan. 8 release fixes an incorrectly reported stipend amount for MI Healthy Climate Corps members. The correct monthly stipend amount of $3,000 adds up to $24,000 for eight months.

Are you or someone you know interested in supporting climate action and exploring a future in Michigan’s growing climate and clean energy economy? The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy (OCE) is excited to announce the job openings for the state’s first ever MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps for 2024!

The MHC Corps will field a cohort of 30 AmeriCorps members who will provide critical support to communities tackling climate change starting in March 2024. These AmeriCorps members will work to advance the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP) through implementation of targeted climate action projects in state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, universities, and businesses in Michigan. The MHC Corps is a new effort aimed at developing an enduring, capable network of climate professionals committed to their communities and a sustainable future for Michigan.

“This is an exciting new chapter in Michigan’s effort to assist communities, businesses, and all Michiganders with the knowledge and tools necessary to fully engage with climate mitigation and resilience work,” said Phil Roos, EGLE director. “These leaders will be ‘boots on the ground’ to help really dig into the best strategies to help meet the state’s climate goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”

The following organizations are recruiting a climate corps member:

Antrim Conservation District Calvin University City of Detroit City of East Lansing City of Eastpointe City of Kalamazoo City of Lansing City of River Rouge Clean Fuels Michigan Detroit 2030 District Detroit Future City East Bay Charter Township Everly Collective Lansing Board of Water and Light Let’s Grow Michigan Marquette County Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Public Lands Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Climate and Health Adaptation Program EGLE’s OCE Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Worker and Community Economic Transition Michigan Energy Options Michigan Saves Northeast Michigan Council of Governments Oakland County Regional Transit Authority of SE Michigan SEEDS Ecology and Education Center Spartan Housing Cooperative Superior Watershed Partnership Transportation Riders United Village of Elk Rapids West Michigan Environmental Action Council Washtenaw County

Projects will be tailored to the organization and community in which the MHC Corps member serves. Examples of potential projects include:

• Connecting residents to clean energy or energy efficiency programs and funding opportunities,
• Supporting your community in accessing clean public transit and bicycle friendly infrastructure,
• Activating recycling or composting programs in your community,
• Researching and assessing opportunities to advance environmental justice, and
• Developing plans for climate resiliency and implementing adaptation measures in your community.

As a member of the MHC Corps, in addition to providing capacity to support climate action, you will:

• Receive a $24,000 stipend for the program’s initial eight-month term and travel, lodging, and meal support for select in person events.
• Receive an education award to use towards loans or future education expenses.
• Receive healthcare benefits, including dental, vision, and mental health supports.
• Become eligible for AmeriCorps child care assistance.
• Be granted free admission to EGLE’s annual MI Healthy Climate Conference.
• Participate in fellowship building and receive trainings and professional development opportunities.

We encourage all those who are interested to apply, especially individuals from historically underserved communities and those on the frontline of climate impacts. Individuals must be 18 years old to serve; no degree or formal work experience is required. The start date is March 18, 2024, and the service term runs through November 15, 2024.

Applications are due January 21, 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit MiHealthyClimateCorps.org/become-a-member.

A second cohort is planned to begin an 11-month term starting in September 2024. In future years, the MHC Corps will expand to offer additional opportunities throughout the state.

Additional background on the MI Healthy Climate Corps: The MHC Corps is a new workforce program focused on advancing and reaching MI Healthy Climate Plan goals, building capacity in communities across the state, and helping guide federal and state resources. The MHC Corps was launched by EGLE’s OCE in partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. The MHC Corps kicked off in August 2023 with support from the Fiscal Year 2024 budget that included $2.1 million in federal and state funding over two years to support the MHC Corps.

Michigan blazes a trail in federal climate investments and transformative clean energy policy

Annual MI Healthy Climate Plan Report details Michigan’s historic legislative victories and key efforts establishing Michigan as a national leader in clean energy and climate action

Michigan leads the nation in federal climate investments, strategic initiatives, and groundbreaking legislative victories that put our great state on track to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040 while creating thousands of jobs. Michigan’s commitment is exemplified by the MI Healthy Climate Plan 2023 Report, an annual report developed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy (OCE). The report provides a summary of 2023 progress on the implementation of the State’s MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP).

“Michigan is leading the nation on clean energy and climate action,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Last year, I signed a game-changing package of clean energy legislation including a 100% clean energy standard by 2040, efficiency upgrades to lower costs for consumers, and the strongest labor standards in the country so we build American energy using American workers. Our commitment to taking climate action while creating jobs and lowering costs will make a real difference in people’s lives. This report caps one of the most productive years in EGLE history. Together, let’s keep building a brighter future for Michigan.”

Anchored in legislative victories, state investment and action, and federal investments, the MHCP positions Michigan as a national leader in clean energy and climate action. By implementing policies that reduce costs; protect land, air, water, and public health; foster equity; and create family-sustaining jobs, Michigan is creating a blueprint for a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future for all.

According to the 2023 Clean Jobs Midwest report, Michigan was No. 1 in the Midwest for clean energy jobs, and the sector is growing twice as fast as the overall economy.

“Michigan’s investment in climate initiatives is not just about policy; it’s about creating a positive and lasting impact on the lives of Michiganders today and for generations to come,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Through strategic investments outlined in the MI Healthy Climate Plan, we are charting a path toward a more sustainable future while ensuring real benefits for our communities. From creating high-quality jobs to reducing energy costs and improving the overall quality of life, these initiatives are a commitment to making Michigan a better place for everyone who calls it home.”

Michigan has an all-of-government approach to climate and has worked to incorporate climate into existing programs and launch new programs including the new MI Healthy Climate Corps and the EGLE climate liaisons. Below are some of the accomplishments and initiatives highlighted in the MI Healthy Climate Plan 2023 Report.

Legislative victories set Michigan on path to success

The passage of key legislation reflects a dedication to reducing carbon emissions and a comprehensive approach to fostering economic growth, job creation, and energy affordability.

Key legislative highlights include:

• Michigan’s Clean Energy Leadership: Michigan’s commitment to a 100% clean energy standard by 2040 positions the state as a national leader, making it one of the most progressive states in the nation on clean energy and the strongest state on clean energy policy in the Midwest.
• Historic Commitment to Renewable Energy: The new laws drive progress by establishing a 50% renewable energy standard by 2030 and 60% by 2035. They also streamline the siting process for large-scale wind, solar, and storage projects.
• Increased Access to Rooftop Solar: The new law expands the cap for distributed generation to 10%, allowing more families and businesses to generate electricity with rooftop solar.
• Lower Energy Costs: The new laws increase Michigan’s Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) standard to 1.5% and set a goal of 2% for electric and gas utilities. It is expected to save Michigan households an average of $145 annually in energy costs.
• Environmental Justice and Equity: The new laws prioritize environmental justice and equity in clean energy programs, ensuring that the state’s utility regulator, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), considers climate, environmental justice, and nondiscrimination in decision-making.
• Connecting and Training Michiganders for Jobs of the Future: The new laws created the Office of Worker and Community Economic Transition. The new office will support workers and communities to ensure they can take full advantage of the good-paying clean-energy jobs of the future.

Strategic state funding for a sustainable future

Michigan is committed to a sustainable future and is working to implement the strategies and initiatives proposed in the MHCP. The combined FY 2023 supplemental and the FY 2024 budget allocated over a billion dollars on climate and clean energy-related initiatives, further solidifying Michigan’s position as a national leader. This comprehensive funding package covers deploying more clean energy, increasing access to clean transportation, repairing and upgrading homes, reducing disparities in environmental justice communities, and more, showcasing the state’s dedication to economy-wide decarbonization and a greener and equitable tomorrow.

Key funding initiatives will:

• Clean the Electric Grid: $265 million in investments to generate clean energy, enhance the electric grid, and incentivize local communities to host utility-scale solar.
• Electrify Vehicles and Increase Public Transit: $261 million for mobility upgrades, including helping school districts buy clean buses and expanding clean transportation options.
• Repair and Decarbonize Homes and Businesses: $312 million invested in weatherizing homes, clean energy upgrades, and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Protect Michigan’s Land and Water: $14.4 million invested to protect forests and wetlands and encourage the purchase of Michigan-grown and -raised products.
• Commit to Environmental Justice and Pursue a Just Transition: $21 million for environmental justice initiatives, including improving air quality and expanding activities that reduce environmental impacts in frontline communities, or communities that experience the most immediate and worst impacts of climate change.
• Foster Cross-Sector Collaborations: $383.1 million was invested in climate action initiatives, including $2.1 million to launch the MI Healthy Climate Corps, which will help communities take climate action while creating jobs.

Michigan: A national leader in clean energy

Michigan is a national leader in bringing federal tax dollars home – particularly on climate-related funding, surpassed only by California. The state has secured nearly $1.3 billion to help lower energy costs, reduce power outages, create thousands of jobs, and more. Under the Biden Administration, Michigan has invested $9.6 billion in public infrastructure and clean energy. According to a recent report by Climate Power, Michigan is No. 1 in the nation, with 24 new clean energy projects.

Find a link to the MI Healthy Climate Plan 2023 Report and more information on the plan’s hub page, https://mhcp-egle.hub.arcgis.com/.

Background

In 2020, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Directive 2020-10, which charged EGLE, through its OCE, with developing the MCHP. The MHCP committed Michigan to 100% carbon neutrality by 2050 with interim greenhouse gas emission reductions of 52% by 2030 and 26% by 2025 as compared to 2005 levels. The MHCP was released in April 2022, after extensive stakeholder engagement that included consultation with tribal governments; meetings with the Council on Climate Solutions, workgroup members, and key stakeholders; and consultation from the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice.