Detroit Evening Report: City expanding sewer repair program; Detroit’s new area code + more
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Detroit Water and Sewerage Department employees replacing lead service lines in Detroit's Pingree Park neighborhood, October 2024.
Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we share news about the city of Detroit’s expansion to its private sewer repair program; a new area code for some Detroiters and more.
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Detroit expands sewer repair program
Detroit is adding 75 neighborhoods to its private sewer repair program. The city received $95 million from the federal government to help residents whose homes were damaged when heavy rain caused flooding in 2021.
The repair effort started last year in the 22 hardest-hit neighborhoods. Mayor Mike Duggan says city workers have helped more than 400 families through the program so far, with the expansion allowing them to reach another 1,000 homes.
The Water and Sewerage Department will clean and inspect lateral service lines and repair or replace them as needed.
Detroit adding 679 area code
Detroit’s getting another area code this fall after the Michigan Public Service Commission says the region is running out of available 313 numbers.
New phone customers will be assigned a 679 area code in November. It’ll cover the same area, which includes the city and some adjacent communities. People with 313 numbers won’t have to change them, but starting in October, they will have to dial all 10 digits to call anyone. 679 will be Michigan’s 13th area code.
MiAble program boosts outreach
A savings program for Michigan residents with disabilities is ramping up efforts to promote its service.
MiABLE is teaming up with the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan to spread the word about the benefits of opening a MiABLE account, which allow people with disabilities to save and invest without jeopardizing essential benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. MiABLE estimates only 1% of the people eligible for an account are currently enrolled.
Together, MiABLE and the Community Mental Health Association are kicking off a statewide roadshow to spread the word about the program.
Detroit Disability Power hosts ‘DanceAbility’ workshops
Detroit Disability Power has hosted ‘DanceAbility’ workshops throughout March. DanceAbility is designed to provide a space where everyone — including people with disabilities — can feel comfortable to move within their capabilities.
Lead organizer Cara Graninger says that the workshops encourage people to challenge what they may consider limitations.
“It’s just normal, at DanceAbility, whatever body you have, however you move, that’s the new normal,” she said.
The last workshop will take place virtually on March 21. Learn more at detroitdisabilitypower.org/danceability
–Reporting by Zahra Hassan, WDET
Detroit hires veterans affairs manager
Detroit has hired its first Veterans Affairs Manager, the city announced Thursday.
Kwesi Betserai spent 28 years in the military, serving in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In his new role, Betserai will be connecting vets with benefits, jobs, housing, health care and other services. He previously held a similar position with Wayne County’s Veterans Services Division.
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