Major wastewater infrastructure project to move forward in 2023

A major water infrastructure project will move forward in 2023 after lining up $60 million in state funding.

It’s a major win for Greater Muskegon Economic Development and Lakeshore Advantage, in partnership with Muskegon County.

Together they shepherded the project through a long approval process that included gaining the support of the Michigan Legislature, which approved the Southeast Regional Force Main infrastructure expansion project. The Michigan Strategic Fund board voted on Oct. 5 to allocate $60 million to connect users of the Coopersville Wastewater Treatment Plant in northern Ottawa County to the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center. On Nov. 29, the Senate approved the transfer of $60 million from the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve, and on Dec. 7, the House Appropriations Committee approved the funding with a 23-3 vote.

A 30-inch force main wastewater line that will extend nearly 20 miles between Coopersville and Muskegon. (Lakeshore Advantage)

“We are grateful to our legislators for getting this vital project across the finish line,” says Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “This is a major win for our region, and it’s a win for our state, as this investment will allow our thriving agribusinesses to continue to grow.”

The Southeast Regional Force Main connection is a 30-inch force main wastewater line that will extend nearly 20 miles between the communities, allowing food processors to take advantage of excess capacity at the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center. 

The project has been on the drawing board since 2008 but was held up by the lack of funding. 

“This is one of the largest appropriations Muskegon County has received from the state government office,” says Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County administrator. “This project will impact our local municipalities by stabilizing sewer rates, providing additional access to wastewater treatment on the east side of Muskegon County as well as parts of Ottawa County, and will provide growth to our expanding agriculture community.”

A win for local agribusiness

Dairy producers fairlife, Applegate Dairy and Continental Dairy, as well as Swanson Pickle Company and DeVries Meats will connect to the new line. 

“Fairlife is thankful for the full support of the local entities and the state representatives to see this through,” says Tim Doelman, CEO of fairlife LLC. in Coopersville. “We are proud to be part of this community for the last decade and look forward to our future growth here in Ottawa County,”. 

Total private investment from these companies is estimated at $187 million, and they will add 145 jobs over the next three to five years. Engineering on the project has started; construction will take approximately two and a half years.

Swanson Pickle Company family members, from left to right: John Swanson, Katie (Swanson) Hensley, Wes Swanson and Matt Swanson. (GMED)
“We are excited about the opportunities that this wastewater infrastructure will bring to our area.” says Katie Swanson, CFO of Swanson Pickle in Ravenna in Muskegon County. “Not only for Swanson Pickle, but also for agriculture and rural communities in eastern Muskegon County and northern Ottawa County,” 

The investment is important not only for the Lakeshore but for the state’s $104 billion food and agriculture industry, which employs more than 805,000 people and accounts for 17% of the state’s economy.

“This project is critical to the continued growth of the agri-processing industry in West Michigan,” says Marla Schneider, president/CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development. “Our regional partners and state legislators were key to the success in advocating for and approving the funding that will install infrastructure for significant business expansion and attraction opportunities in Muskegon and Ottawa counties.”