DETROIT – It’s a common problem anytime severe weather hits Metro Detroit, including basement flooding. Now, the feds are set to give homeowners a big boost.
The move from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is in response to the historic flooding Local 4 experienced in August 2023.
We spoke to several frustrated homeowners last summer.
“Every time it rains, you’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, we’re going to go through this again,’” said a homeowner last summer.
City leaders formally accepted $346 million in funding and began detailing how they plan to spend the money to repair infrastructure ahead of future weather events on Wednesday (Jan. 8).
It’s an issue many families are dealing with across Detroit.
“When I saw the water gushing from the sewer in the basement to the ceiling in the basement, I mean it really scared me,” said homeowner Joyseine Foxhall. “I mean, it really scared me.”
We first met Foxhall and her neighbors on American Street a few years ago when clogged sewer lines flooded their homes.
“My basement is stripped back to concrete floors and concrete walls,” Foxhall said.
It’s the type of inconvenience city leaders realize is common across Detroit.
Flood problems result from clogged alley sewers, aging infrastructure, and changing weather patterns.
“The way we’re affected is in sudden rain storms,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “We experienced it in 2014. In 2016. In 2021. In 2023.”
Replacing its near-century-old infrastructure is a problem Detroit’s been working to tackle.
But with 1,800 miles of old alley sewer lines, city leaders say crews cannot address the issue without the federal government’s help.
And that’s where the huge check from HUD comes in.
“The city of Detroit will directly receive nearly $347 million to support recovery from severe storms and flooding occurring in August of 2023,” said a councilwoman.
Following the flooding Detroit and other communities experienced in August 2023, that money will be used to repair clogged and collapsed sewers across the city.
It’ll also help fund new affordable housing projects that could withstand future flood events.
Councilman Scott Benson is among those hearing from residents.
“For me, it’s going to be critical that all areas of the city receive these types of resources and close to $400 million; there’s lots of need in the city, but it also means there should be equitable distribution of these resources,” said Councilman Scott Benson.
Data shows nearly 5,000 Detroiters experienced flood damage back in August 2023.
Detroit aims to use HUD funds to repair blockages at 10,000 homes over the next two years.
“It sounds like a good program,” Foxhall said. “You know, I appreciate finally coming up with something to help their taxpayers.”
Detroit has four months to submit its action plan to HUD. In the meantime, the mayor says community meetings will be held because they want to hear from the public.
