Sixteen Michigan cities will get $66 million from the economic stimulus package to upgrade water systems and create 109,000 jobs. This is exactly what we have been talking about – spending money on restoring the Great Lakes creates jobs and helps our region’s economy.
Restoration may sound lofty and unduly “green” but in reality it translates into spending millions to fix our ailing and ancient combined sewer systems and that also means jobs. But the stimulating effect doesn’t stop with employment -by stopping untreated waste from flowing into the water we drink and swim in business will feel a boon. Our beaches will no longer be closed because of unhealthy bacteria and seasonal recreation businesses from the hot dog stand to the motorboat manufacturer and hotelier will benefit as well.
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm estimated that 109,000 jobs would be created. The millions will come from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund that is part of the $787 billion economic recovery package.
“This is important because it’s about the jobs,” Granholm told the Detroit News, “It’s putting money into people’s pockets, like construction workers.”
Related posts:
- First Things First
- Winning Hearts and Minds
- With a Little Bit of Blooming Luck
- Great Lakes Restoration Providing Economic Benefit in Michigan
- Cities on the Front Line in Effort to Restore Great Lakes