Earlier today, E2 released a new report: How Investing in Michigan’s Water Infrastructure Protects Our Economy, Creates Jobs and Drives Growth.

Michigan has for decades underinvestend in its water infrastructure at the expense of the economy and the health of families in the state. To ensure Michigan’s economy continues to grow — and that all Michiganders enjoy a high quality of life — this gap should be closed.

Fortunately, investing an additional $12.2 billion in Michigan’s own water infrastructure needs on top of existing expenditures would over the next two decades help create nearly 90,000 direct job-years in multiple industries — including good jobs for veterans — while generating about $8.8 billion in new wages.

This essential spending would also help businesses in the state’s water services industry become national leaders in developing and commercializing new water technologies, just as early-mover states like California have become national leaders in clean tech. And it would ensure that all Michigan industries, whether they are directly or indirectly reliant on clean, affordable water, are in the best position possible for decades of ongoing growth.

But first, we must fix the system.

REPORT TOPLINES

$12 billion in new spending is needed to update critical water infrastructure in Michigan and avoid more long-term economic and health damage to the state
New expenditures directly lead to the creation of 89,880 full-time job-years
Those 90,000 new jobs would generate $8.8 billion in new wages workers and their families can inject into their local economies
New jobs and wages will generate $694 million in total tax revenue over two decades, with more than 80 percent going to local and state municipalities ($560 million)

DOWNLOAD

The complete report is available for download at this link.