Environmental groups are raising concerns about proposed cuts to state funding for drinking water infrastructure improvements.
The house appropriations subcommittee that sets the budget for the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment, Great lakes and Energy is proposing roughly $36 million less in spending, compared to the governor’s proposed budget.
Sean Hammond is with the Michigan Environmental Council. He said the cuts in the house proposed budget are concerning.
“If we are going to cut something let's look at programs that aren’t the frontline protections for Michiganders and their public health.”
Hammond said the cuts will make it harder for the state to address problems with drinking water contamination.
“It’s disappointing that as we’ve seen the Senate step up to the plate and really take on the challenge of protecting our clean water in the state and protecting Michiganders health. We see the house respond with across the board cuts.”
Hammond said the cuts won’t just impact programming but will also reduce staff - making it harder for EGLE to respond to problems.
Members of the subcommittee could not be reached for comment. And a spokesperson for EGLE declined to comment on the proposed cuts.