Pontiac, MI - Several Oakland County projects ranging from water system improvements to expansion of the Oakland County Farmer's Market will move forward after Congress approved nearly $9 million in Community Project Funding for Oakland County December 23, 2022 when it passed the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill as one its final acts this session.
"Oakland County is so fortunate to have partners in Congress who understand the needs of the county and its residents," Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. "This funding will boost essential projects across the county that will protect the health and safety of residents and protect the environment."
"These much-needed funds will help our communities start the work we need to do to fix our infrastructure and prepare for climate change," Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said. "There is still much to be done in the coming years and we need our congressional delegation to continue to help our communities in this effort."
Here is a list of the Community Project Funding:
- $4 million for the Evergreen Farmington Pump Station Improvement project. Funding will be used to improve the sanitary sewer system in Oakland County, reducing combined sewer overflows and ensuring clean water.
- $2.269 million for Oakland County Farmer's Market Funding will help expand the farmer's market to increase capacity, provide community spaces, and establish business incubator services for local food businesses.
- "The Oakland County Farmer's Market is one of the oldest producer-only markets in Michigan," Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Gary McGillivray said. "We're thrilled to have this funding to renovate and modernize this facility so we can provide even more nutrition, health and wellness activities for our residents and local farmers."
- $1.6 million for the Royal Oak Township Water System Improvements project. This funding will help Royal Oak Township replace water mains critical to ensuring that residents have access to clean, safe, and reliable water.
- $1.2 million for the Oakland County Health Division's Health Lab project. Funding will help construct a Health Division laboratory facility expansion, equipped with advanced technology to meet the growing public health needs of the community.
- $1 million for the Northwest Sanitary Sewer project. This funding will support an extension of the sanitary sewer from the Genesee County border into Oakland County, along Dixie Highway to Grange Hall Road, to serve Holly and Groveland Townships and eventually provide service to Brandon Township and the Village of Ortonville.
- $410,000 for the Oakland County Sheriff's project for training equipment. This funding will be used to secure updated equipment, which is vital for effective law enforcement training. The equipment to be purchased includes physical fitness equipment for wellness programs, firearms training equipment, a defensive tactics mat room, and de-escalation/use of force training suits