State Rep. Jamie Thompson is fighting for critical water infrastructure investments for the city of Rockwood as part of ongoing state budget considerations.

Thompson testified Thursday on a $1.5 million request for improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

“The current plant was constructed nearly a century ago,” said Thompson, who represents Rockwood as part of the 28^th House District. “It’s operating on equipment that has exceeded its lifespan and new equipment is needed to serve a modern community’s needs. The plant processes 100 percent of the sewage of Rockwood’s residents and businesses. These improvements are vital to people’s public health and will ensure the plant can operate safely, reliably and in compliance with environmental standards. A failure involving this plant would be catastrophic.”

Rockwood Mayor Troy Cox detailed specific concerns regarding the 86-year-old facility to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity, including six large filter pumps that manage wastewater, a panel that controls the plant’s entire electrical system, a discharge monitor, and various valves and mixers.

“These aren’t minor repairs. They are the heart and lungs of our treatment system,” Cox said. “Our community faces an infrastructure crisis that demands immediate action. (The plant) is not just aging. Parts of it are failing and we have no alternative options.”

Unlike larger municipalities that can connect to regional systems, Rockwood has to operate its own as geographic constraints and financial demands have made it impossible, Cox said. He also noted the potential for a dire environmental situation with the community situated on the Huron River.

“System failure means a public health crisis from sewage backing up into people’s homes, flooding in basements and possible environmental damage. These are the last things I want for our residents and our fresh water,” Cox said.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jamie Thompson (at microphone) was joined for testimony by Rockwood Mayor Troy Cox (on monitor) before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity on Thursday, July 24. Thompson has requested $1.5 million within the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year for improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.