The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has allocated more than $159 million to 29 municipalities for lead service line replacement projects under the state’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
The funding supports removal and replacement of public and private lead service lines, along with required inventory and planning work. Projects focus on improving drinking water safety, with priority given to small and disadvantaged communities.
The allocation includes a mix of principal forgiveness and low-interest loans at a 0.25 percent rate. Funding draws primarily from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program’s lead service line capitalization grant.
Several municipalities received significant awards. Milwaukee secured more than $50 million, including over $19 million in principal forgiveness. Racine received $40 million, with more than $21 million forgiven. Manitowoc obtained over $14 million, including nearly $7.3 million in forgiveness, while Oshkosh received more than $6 million.
Smaller communities also received targeted funding. Chippewa Falls obtained over $1.9 million, Thorp received more than $733,000, and Rice Lake secured $732,500. Each allocation combines principal forgiveness with subsidized loans to support construction.
Projects will proceed as municipalities finalize loan agreements and construction schedules. Once completed, the projects will remove lead service lines serving residential, commercial, and public properties, improving drinking water quality for thousands of residents statewide.