By Jef Rietsma
Vicksburg’s continuing effort to replace its lead water pipes infrastructure is getting a considerable boost thanks to anticipated funding of nearly $4 million secured by U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg.
Village President Tim Frisbie announced the $3.9 million windfall during the council’s June 3 meeting.
“Thanks to the efforts of our village manager and to the unwavering support of Congressman Tim Walberg, the village of Vicksburg has been listed as one of Congressman Walberg’s member-designated projects for 2025,” Frisbie said.
Michigan municipalities are required through a state mandate to replace lead lines by 2038.
Frisbie said Vicksburg has an estimated 650 lead service lines. He said 95 of the village’s lines were replaced in 2021. An additional 110 will be replaced with work starting this summer north of Vicksburg Middle School.
Another 160 will be replaced in 2025 in an area bordered by Washington Street to the north, Michigan Street to the west, Kalamazoo Street to the east and Highway Street to the south. Cost of the task is expected to exceed $5 million, Frisbie said.
“We anticipate once the full year 2025 federal budget is signed into law, $3.9 million will be identified as congressional-directed spending on this Vicksburg project,” Frisbie said. “I’d like to thank Congressman Tim Walberg for his advocacy and support, and identifying this project as one of the 15 projects he submitted within the member-designated projects for 2025.”
Frisbie said Walberg’s commitment to addressing Vicksburg’s infrastructure needs is greatly appreciated and will have a lasting impact on quality of life for all Vicksburg residents.
Council member Wendy Pheils said the village is fortunate to have Walberg’s support.
“Congressman Tim Walberg picked Vicksburg – one of 15 projects that he had to do and he picked Vicksburg for one of those,” she said. “That is very telling to the things that Vicksburg has been doing, that has put us on the map with a lot of people.”
Trustee Gail Reisterer called the impending grant “so unbelievable.”
“I know most of the people in the community don’t know about these things,” she said. “But we’re very fortunate.”
Council member Carl Keller recognized village staff and Village Manager Jim Mallery for their efforts in working with Walberg.
“This is an unfunded mandate.. We have to do it, there are a lot of communities that have not gotten on board and tried to secure funding,” he said. “We have been way ahead of the curve on that.”
