(OREGON TOWNSHIP) — About 1,200 workers are taking advantage of the relatively mild winter to build the final portion of a new pipeline to bring water from Lake Huron to communities including Flint. The $285 million Karegnondi Water Authority project is on track with around 17 miles to go. Crews are burying the 66-inch-diameter pipeline on a path that starts with an intake at Lake Huron. Sections under construction include parts of Sanilac and Lapeer counties. A $71 million water treatment plant is being built in Lapeer County’s Oregon Township. Genesee County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright said the goal for the pipeline to reach Flint remains June, but is weather-dependent. Flint switched from Detroit’s water system in 2014 to Flint River water in a cost-cutting move ahead of the Karegnondi project’s completion. Residents complained about the taste, smell and appearance, and children were found to have elevated blood-lead levels. Flint returned to Detroit’s system in October.
