State Rep. Jennifer Wortz and city officials from Bronson today announced they secured $609,000 in state funding to replace the aging ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system at the City of Bronson’s wastewater treatment facility. State dollars were approved through the budget process.

“Getting the money for this key infrastructure is a perfect example of how state and local leaders can work together for the betterment of our communities,” said Wortz, R-Quincy. “The City of Bronson came to me with a request for this funding through the state budget. Through our combined efforts, we were able to successfully negotiate and secure these dollars in the final agreement. This new disinfection system will ensure Bronson’s water is safe for residents and businesses alike.”

The current UV system was initially installed in 1993 and has long surpassed its intended lifespan. City officials say parts for repair are increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain. Additionally, a control panel, critical for automated system operation, was recently disabled by a lightning strike.  As a result, the system is currently being operated manually.

Installation of the new modern, energy-efficient system will restore automated control, enhance reliability, and ensure consistent disinfection of treated effluent.

“This funding is a significant victory for the City of Bronson sanitary sewer system,” said Bronson City Manager Brandon Mersman. “Our current UV system is beyond its useful life and in need of a more efficient automated system. We are incredibly grateful to Representative Wortz for her dedication in championing this critical infrastructure project and bringing it to the finish line. This new energy-efficient system secures the long-term integrity of our sanitary sewer discharge, improves operational reliability, and reduces the burden of the immense cost of necessary system upgrades.”  

The state budget was approved by the Legislature earlier this month and signed into law by Gov. Whitmer last week. State departments will now begin working with local municipalities to disburse funds for projects like the new Bronson UV disinfection system in the coming months.

###