SE Oakland News

The recently approved state budget allocates $900,000 to Springfield Township for the installation of 10 high-capacity fire protection wells. These wells are intended to replace older private wells that have become unreliable due to changes in the region’s hydrogeology. The new infrastructure aims to improve fire response times and provide consistent water access in areas not served by a municipal water system.

State Representative Mike Harris, R-Waterford, advocated for the funding and collaborated with Springfield Township Fire Chief Matt Covey to highlight the necessity of the project. Despite a reduction in legislative earmarks this year, Harris succeeded in securing the funds.

“These wells are not a luxury, they are a necessity,” Harris said during an appropriations subcommittee hearing on July 24. “Without them, our firefighters must rely on water tankers and long-haul mutual aid, which delays response time and places lives, homes, and businesses at unnecessary risk.”

Each well will have the capacity to supply between 300 and 500 gallons of water per minute. They will be placed throughout Springfield Township and along its perimeter to ensure quicker emergency responses both within the township and in nearby areas. All wells are expected to be operational by fall 2026.

Harris noted that improving emergency response capabilities could help maintain Springfield Township’s ISO Class Three fire rating, which may lower insurance costs for residents. He also emphasized that increased firefighting capacity would protect Davisburg’s historic downtown area—currently lacking adequate water sources for fire suppression—and support efforts toward community revitalization and economic growth.

“This is a smart and responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” Harris said.

Harris represents House District 52 in northern Oakland County and previously served as a police officer for 26 years, including 25 years with the Waterford Police Department.

The fiscal year 2025-2026 state budget includes several other initiatives: nearly $2 billion dedicated to roads—with all gas taxes now directed exclusively to road funding—a change from previous allocations; elimination of taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security; record-high education funding with per-student allocations increasing from $9,608 to $10,050; universal school breakfast and lunch programs extended to private school students; $321 million restored for school safety and mental health; removal of over 2,000 inactive employees resulting in more than $200 million in savings; permanent transparency measures for earmarks; $26 million allocated for Selfridge Air National Guard Base's new fighter mission preparations; overall budget reduced from about $82.5 billion last year to just under $81 billion this year; improvements planned for Bridge Card security against fraud; creation of a $95 million Public Safety Trust Fund targeting high-crime areas; a 20% salary increase for Michigan State Police troopers; consolidation of state office space aiming for an 80% occupancy rate; $14 million designated for northern Michigan’s ice storm recovery efforts alongside federal disaster funds; and no increases in fees related to hunting, fishing, boating, or recreation.