Live reporting by
Roshaun Harris
Gary Brown says Governor Whitmer has pledged $25M this year and another $40M next year to the Lifeline Plan.
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12:56 PM Feb 15, 2023 CST
For more background information on today's meeting follow the link below:clickondetroit.com/news/local/202…
Live from the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners meeting. The meeting has started. https://t.co/IBGy4JIBMa
Community members state that they're concerned that residents receiving benefits are using too much water.
Board members have calculated the amount of life sustaining water usage based on data provided to them via community organizations.
The board states their goal is to make Lifeline Program better by addressing arrearrage problems.
Community members says there is a need for more in-data on Lifeline Programs. Ask Board if 400 cases being processed a week is an accurate assessment.
Many community members are reluctant to enroll in Lifeline program due to past negative interactions with the DWSD according to public comments.
Board states there goal is to process 1000 applications per week. Says they will hire additional people to address the backlog of applications.
Gary Brown is speaking on behalf of the board in regards to backlog response.
Jan 30th 2023 Governor Whitmer signed for $25 million in supplemental budget funds for Lifeline program.
On February 8, 2023 the Governor announced her Fiscal Year 2024 budget plan which includes $40 million for water affordability.
DSWD prioritizes fire hydrant repairs starting with priority one which are critical areas near hospitals and schools as well as clusters of outages.
According to Gary Brown the board is applying for every grant available for repairs on broken sewerage lines.
Board discussed active shooter training in light of events at MSU. Says we must be proactive on controlling guns.
Meeting is adjourned at 3:11pm. Please visit detroit.documenters.org for any further updates on today's proceedings.