LANSING (WKZO-AM/FM) — State Sen. Rick Jones is touting new legislation that he claims will help rebuild Michigan’s water infrastructure at a lower cost.
Jones, R-Grand Ledge, told Michael Patrick Shiels on Tuesday it would force cities, if they’re looking for state money for the project, to consider a different perspective on water line replacement.
“Not mandate, but it would require them to consider other materials that are OK’d by the American Water Works (Association),” Jones said.
He said it would also stop municipal stubbornness.
“Some cities have archaic rules and laws that say that you must use iron pipes,” Jones said.
It would also put weight behind an engineer’s recommendation.
“They’re going to use concrete pipe in some places, iron pipe in some places, and we hope they’ll consider using plastic pipes,” Jones said. “We can save 35 or 40 percent for the taxpayers.”
The bill has been referred to a Senate committee.
