Lead Service Line Replacement
In December 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced an action plan that "Accelerates Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments to Replace All Lead Pipes in Next Decade." Part of this plan is to have the EPA allocate $3 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to states, Tribes, and Territories for lead service line replacement.
Since 2015, Melissa Mays, Operations Manager here at Flint Rising has been working hand-in-hand with the Natural Resources Defense Council, ACLU of Michigan and Concerned Pastors for Social Action in court to ensure that Flint's lead and galvanized steel service lines are replaced, which is an important part to ending the ongoing Flint Water Crisis. During this time, Flint Rising was formed and we began working with the local UA Local 370 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union, public health professionals, civil engineers and more to ensure this process was done right and done safely.
The Flint Lead Service Line Replacement program is still ongoing, even after settling in 2017 (you can see the history here: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/flint-water-crisis-everything-you-need-know) as there have been many issues that have come up across this history-making legal settlement. Much has been learned in the process so Flint Rising has become somewhat of the go-to technical assistance group for residents and communities across the United States who have been or are going to begin their Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
What does this mean for your community? What are your rights? What will this look like in your community, on your street, in your home?
A lot of the focus has been on educating municipalities and training local labor, which is critical, but what we aren't seeing is information for homeowners, renters and people who will be living through this process. We are working on developing a toolkit just for residents so you will have safety information and checklists to make sure the work is done right and so you will be able to help your community stay safe during this process!! Stay Tuned for Updates!!
IF YOU ARE A FLINT RESIDENT, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND TAKE THIS QUICK SURVEY SO WE CAN KEEP UPDATED ON THE PROGRESS OF OUR OWN LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT & PROPERTY RESTORATION PROGRAM!!
Here is some of our work for pushing for a NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING and to REPLACE ALL INFRASTRUCTURE THAN CAN HARM RESIDENTS!
Flint Rising was formed in 2016 in reaction to the response (or lack thereof) to by the then 2 year-old Flint Water Crisis by Government Agencies and Organizations. Flint Rising grew into a coalition of grassroots, community organizations and allies working to ensure that directly impacted people are building the organizing infrastructure and leadership necessary for this long-haul fight for justice and creating the future that Flint families need and deserve.
As the water crisis continues in Flint, Michigan, we are still taking immediate action while building for the future.
Flint Rising, a project of Tides Advocacy, is a Frontline Advocacy Organization led by Flint residents fighting for water, environmental & climate justice here in the Flint Water Crisis and around the country.
Along with our allies and YOUR generous support, we are building a coalition of community organizations, grassroots groups, labor, and impacted individuals that have come together to ensure that local residents are building long-term power to deal with the consequences of the Flint Water Crisis that has now reached well past Flint.
The bottom line:
Directly impacted people in the city of Flint must be engaged as the leadership of this long-haul fight, and Flint Rising is focused on building the organizing infrastructure necessary to develop their leadership