WJRT: Congresswoman McDonald Rivet pushes for funding for safe drinking water

BUENA VISTA TOWSHIP - Mid-Michigan Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet highlighted a new effort to expand access to safe drinking water in our region.

ABC12 went to Buena Vista Township and learned why the push for the funding is so critical.

At the Buena Vista Township Sewer Department, they treat over one million gallons of water a day.

They tell us upgrades have not been seen here in over 35 years and without these funds, they're going to be continuing to work on borrowed time.

Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet says no one should have to worry about whether their drinking water is safe.

"The question is for how long? These are the very core services that people rely on the government to deliver," Rivet said.

She discussed her request for federal funding for upgrades at the Buena Vista wastewater treatment plant.

It's part of the clean water projects in her funding initiative to be included in the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bills.

And she says compared to other things in the federal budget, the effort is miniscule.

"The project here in Buena Vista is less than a million dollars. Less than a million dollars. So, this isn't a big ask," she said.

She says it would protect residents from waterborne diseases and illnesses and ensure the long-term safety of the water system.

"So, the impact on what would happen when wastewater treatment facilities fail is enormous and we need to get ahead of this before we see failure," she said.

"Many times, Buena Vista is overlooked for funding opportunities, so we appreciate the Congresswoman so much, she never forgets about Buena Vista," Charter Township Superintendent Torrie L. Lee said.

And though the team at the Buena Vista Township plant are working hard to ensure the water is safe, they are working with outdated tools and old equipment, even still utilizing computers that run off of floppy discs.

"The reliability in some of the equipment, the VFDs where I just have one. If I lose that VFD, I am not now about 50 percent of my pumping capacity or ability," Wastewater Superintendent Joe Perroud said.

Rivet is also requesting funding to expand access to clean drinking water in Fenton, Mundy Township, Linden, Bangor Township and Midland.

She says funds of this nature are necessary--and long overdue.

"The federal government has been abandoning our local communities for decades," Rivet said.

"It's working for now, but we are definitely in need of the money," Lee said.