The City of Grand Rapids has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for lead-reducing water filter programs in the Third Ward. This initiative is part of the Participatory Budgeting Grand Rapids (PBGR) process, where residents allocated $500,000 to address concerns about potential lead in drinking water.
The City is looking for individuals, organizations, companies, or agencies to promote and distribute free lead-reducing water filters, provide educational information, and conduct in-home lead risk evaluations. The focus of this funding is on homes that have not yet had their lead service lines (LSL) replaced and on mitigating risks that may exist within the homes.
Doug Matthews, assistant city manager, emphasized the importance of this project, particularly for children living in older homes. He stated, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, families and children were largely restricted to their homes for significant portions of the day. For those living in older homes, this meant the possibility of increased exposure to lead from hazards inside the home. This is particularly concerning for children, as lead exposure has been shown to have significant impacts on behavioral and learning development."
The PBGR projects, funded by $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, are distributed across the City's three wards. The Third Ward received a total investment of $1 million. The projects were chosen through a public vote that took place during Vote Week in September 2022.
The City of Grand Rapids' participatory budgeting initiative allows residents to have a say in how public funds are spent. To learn more about the project or to submit a proposal, interested parties can visit PBGR.org.
The deadline for submitting proposals is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 29. After the proposals are reviewed, the City aims to select a partner this spring to work on reducing the risk of lead exposure through water for Third Ward residents.
This project is an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. By addressing concerns about lead in drinking water and providing resources to mitigate risks, the City of Grand Rapids is taking proactive measures to protect its residents' health.
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