MILWAUKEE — President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law will benefit Milwaukee communities dealing with lead pipe issues.

The law will invest $50 billion in improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said his goal is to replace all lead service lines across the city.

“Lead exposure is especially dangerous to people and particularly young children,” said Johnson. “Abating homes that contain lead paint and dust and removing lead water service lines are critical to a healthier Milwaukee.”

His original goal was to replace all of them in the next 70 years. Johnson said that’s changed thanks to funding from the law.

Milwaukee Water Works Superintendent Patrick Paully said Wisconsin is expected to receive more than $370 million. He said Milwaukee Water Works will request $30 million. 

Paully said the law is a historic achievement and will benefit everyone in Wisconsin. 

“It will put us on a path to accomplish Mayor Johnson’s goal of replacing all lead service lines in Milwaukee in the next 20 years,” Paully said.

Both Paully and Johnson joined Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin to tour a pipe replacement project on 38th Street in Milwaukee. 

“Here in the city of Milwaukee there’s about 66,000 led lateral pipes that are still in service,” she said. “That’s a tall order, but frankly, I’m so pleased that the whole nation has stood up to attack this problem.”

Johnson said property owners are in charge of paying for a portion of the replacement. He said he feels property owners shouldn’t be in charged for decisions that were made decades ago.

“I’ll be asking the common council for their support so Milwaukee homeowners who are in most need and need our help won’t have to carry an extra burden to make sure their home is lead free,” said Johnson.