Flint, Michigan – The City of Flint is making progress toward better public health and home safety by continuing to work on expanding the In-Home Plumbing Program. This project is part of a bigger plan to eliminate lead exposure risks and modernize aging water systems inside residential properties.
The Flint City Council discussed about two significant decisions about the program’s funding at a meeting on June 18. One of those steps, giving $490,000 in grant money to help with plumbing renovations, was successfully sent to the full council for final approval. This money is a big step toward making long-overdue repairs in people’s homes.
The second resolution, which would give an extra $510,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as a local match, didn’t have as much support. That item remains in committee, waiting for additional debate and evaluation. In the short term, the total amount of work may be limited without that match.
“This program directly supports Flint families by providing real, in-home solutions—replacing outdated pipes, faucets, and water heaters with safe, lead-free components,” said Ed Taylor. “We are grateful for the progress made with the grant funding and will continue urging full council action on the ARPA match so that we can deliver maximum impact to our residents.”
The In-Home Plumbing Program has three main goals: to do thorough plumbing inspections, to repair all the pipes in homes that qualify, and educating residents about water safety and lead exposure prevention. These steps are part of the city’s larger goal to fix long-standing problems with its infrastructure that have damaged thousands of homes and regain faith in its water systems.
Flint officials are nevertheless determined to use every resource they have, including federal funding and emergency pandemic relief funds, to make living conditions healthier and more resilient over the long run. Many people and local officials are hoping that the council will quickly approve the extra help needed to make the program more widely available while talks continue about the ARPA financing.
Read also: Flint’s new weekly program offers walk-in care, screenings, and water filters at Clio Road Center
The In-Home Plumbing Program is an example of how the community continues to make progress after the big water problem that first got national attention years ago. One pipe, one faucet, and one household at a time.