Benton Harbor, Michigan, lead pipe removal is finally underway

Elevated levels of lead have been detected in the city for at least three years.

Construction has finally begun in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to replace the lead-tainted service lines that have been poisoning the predominantly Black community's water supply for years.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer went the western Michigan city on Tuesday to visit a construction site where the first lead service lines are being replaced after the governor previously announced a commitment to remove 100% of the lead service lines in 18 months.

"I am proud of the progress we are making, and I look forward to much more," Whitmer said in a statement. "I am confident that we can meet our goal to replace 100% of lead service lines in Benton Harbor within 18 months and utilize the $1.3 billion headed our way from the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill specifically for water to protect safe drinking water in every community."

Whitmer said she attended a community meeting to hear "directly from people on the ground doing the work to help residents."