Benton Harbor Lead Line Replacements Near 50%

20211108_142404-8
20211108_142404-8

50% of the lead water lines in the city of Benton Harbor are expected to have been replaced by the end of this week. State and federal officials were in Benton Harbor Tuesday to see work along Jennings Street. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director Liesl Eichler Clark said the overall work was initially expected to take 18 months.

“There’s still a lot of work in front of us, but I’m thrilled with the progress that has been happening,” Clark said.

Clark said they started with the easier lines to replace, so she didn’t say the work will be finished sooner than the initial April of 2023 plan. Five contractors are doing the lead line replacements at this time. There are still about 2,300 lines to go. On hand for the visit Tuesday was Congressman Fred Upton and the regional EPA administrator.