Governor Scott Walker announced Wednesday that 35 municipalities have completed financial assistance agreements with the state. These agreements will allow those communities to assist homeowners, schools and day cares in providing safe drinking water by replacing old lead pipes.
Governor Walker's office says aging lead pipes extend from the main street pipes owned by local utilities onto private property and into homes, schools, and day care centers. The lines are typically the responsibility of the homeowner who would have to pay for full lead service line removal.
The Lead Service Line Replacement Funding program was founded by the Department of Natural Resources following a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
This fiscal year’s funding package totals $13.8 million. The funds will be used to help communities help property owners fully replace those lines to provide safe drinking water for families.
The 35 municipalities represent all parts of the state with Milwaukee receiving the largest award of $2.6 million. Another $13 million in lead service line replacement funding will be available next year and 41 communities have indicated they will be filing applications.
