Bill Text: MI HCR0008 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to include sewer separation and other projects intended to reduce sewer overflows in infrastructure funding bills.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-04-22 - Referred To Committee On Appropriations [HCR0008 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HCR0008-Introduced.html
house concurrent resolution no. 8
Rep. Wozniak offered the following concurrent resolution:
Whereas, Congress is currently negotiating bills to implement the Biden administration's $2.3 trillion plan to repair and improve the nation's infrastructure. The plan would invest in roads, bridges, public transit, railroads, drinking water systems, broadband, and other infrastructure needs across the nation; and
Whereas, Sewer overflows into our nation's waters due to aging and outdated wastewater infrastructure are an annual occurrence. An estimated 23,000 to 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows occur each year, and more than 860 municipalities continue to operate combined sewer systems prone to overflows after heavy rains that pollute waters. In Michigan alone, there were 750 sewer overflows, discharging more than 37 billion gallons of minimally treated sewage and more than 3 billion gallons of raw sewage into Michigan's lakes, rivers, and streams in 2019; and
Whereas, Sewer overflows endanger public health and the environment. Exposure to sewage-contaminated water can lead to illness, often forcing the closure of swimming beaches. Overflows may feed harmful or nuisance algal blooms and deplete oxygen in the water, impacting recreation, fish, and wildlife. Nothing is more important than making sure our drinking water as well as the waterways we use for recreation, fishing, and tourism are protected from sewer overflows; and
Whereas, There remains a substantial gap between available funds to address sewer overflows and funding needs. The 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers' infrastructure report card identified an $81 billion annual gap nationally for water infrastructure. In Michigan, the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission noted an $800 million annual gap for water and sewer infrastructure needs. Despite their best efforts, states, local governments, and their residents cannot fill this gap on their own; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to include sewer separation and other projects intended to reduce sewage overflows into our nation's waters in infrastructure funding bills; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
