A large project to replace lead water service lines around the city of Benton Harbor has been approved by the city commission. At a Monday special meeting, commissioners were told this $33 million contract hires several firms, both local and from out of town, to complete lead line replacements in 12 zones, with a quarter of the work to be done by May 31. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said this is momentous work.
“This vote tonight, I believe and I can be corrected, it’s the largest contract of any vote that I know of,” Muhammad said.
The governor has previously started a goal to get all Benton Harbor lead lines out within 18 months. That was in October, and this plan is designed to meet that goal. Most of the work is being done with state and federal funds.
