Page 177 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

8 The systems that provide safe drinking water and
9 treat and manage wastewater, storm water and
10 drainage are often not thought about, operating largely
11 without the public's attention, except for times of crisis.
12 Many rural and urban water and drain systems are
13 faced with limited financial resources, and communities
14 are deferring the investments needed to maintain,
15 rehabilitate, and/or replace older infrastructure.
16 Investments need to continue to be made to provide a
17 safe and reliable water supply.
18 Local units of government are accountable for
19 maintenance and operation of the infrastructure affecting
20 their residents. Therefore we support:
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Research to develop better materials for public water lines, wastewater and storm water systems. Development of better processes for the operation and maintenance of the public infrastructure. Long-range planning and comprehensive asset management.
An increase in federal safe drinking water funds, USDA Rural Development water and sewer funds, and EPA brownfield loan and grant funds. Prioritizing redevelopment and reuse in areas with existing public infrastructure.
A third-party, independent annual financial audit of municipal water, sewer and storm water systems being conducted and reported to the State of Michigan.
Municipalities collecting adequate revenue from system users to pay for needed infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
Encouraging municipalities to take advantage of low interest loan plans.
Implementation and enforcement of pollution prevention control measures on municipalities, especially phosphorus removal.
We oppose:
A statewide assessment to pay for repair of
individual municipality’s water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure for any reason. 
#69 REDRESS FOR UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS
1 We support legislation making individuals, news
2 organizations, consumer and environmental groups
3 responsible for damages caused by their unsubstantiated
4 claims against approved products and practices that
5 result in market losses for producers and the filing of
6 frivolous lawsuits against producers. Upon finding a
7 complaint unsubstantiated, the individual or organization
8 who filed the complaint shall be responsible for all court
9 costs, legal fees, and costs associated with market and
State Policies – Page 91