Michigan is fundamentally changing how it manages and regulates its critical infrastructure systems. We're moving beyond a history of deferred maintenance to a proactive, preventative and sustainable infrastructure strategy driven by asset management principles.
By embracing integrated asset management, we're shifting from reactive fixes to proactive, long-term strategies. This ensures all Michiganders benefit from safe, affordable and reliable infrastructure services that power our diverse communities and economies.
In the past, planning infrastructure projects in isolation created fragmented systems. This led to public disruption and missed chances for efficiency and greater societal benefits.
And these shortcomings weren't just inconvenient—they posed threats to public health, safety, economic competitiveness, and our overall quality of life.
That's why the Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is championing a new statewide approach for infrastructure through its 30-Year Integrated Infrastructure Strategy.
By fostering collaboration among public and private infrastructure agencies, streamlining data sharing and deepening the understanding of how decisions in one asset class impact another, Michigan is shifting from reactive fixes to integrated planning.
This coordinated and holistic approach to managing critical infrastructure will reduce disruptions, optimize resources and ensure infrastructure investments provide the greatest value and resilience, ultimately enhancing the lives of all Michiganders.
Through this new series, the MIC is highlighting communities in their asset management journeys.
If your community is interested in sharing a story for a chance to be featured in a future edition of the community highlight series, email the MIC today at [email protected]
City of Pontiac: "Dig Once" in Practice
In the city of Pontiac, Mich., integrated infrastructure asset management is being put into practice and is actively improving the lives of its residents.
When the Pontiac Watermain and Lead Service Line Replacement Project was launched by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office (OCWRC), they used an integrated asset management approach to prioritizing critical upgrades, coordinating across agencies and making the most of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize aging infrastructure.
"Successful projects are not just about securing funding but also about coordination of services and minimizing disruption to residents," said Carrie Ricker Cox, special projects manager for regional systems within OCWRC.
Using asset management data, the OCWRC first identified where the 1940s-era cast iron water mains and lead service lines were, which are considered high-risk, failure-prone assets—especially vulnerable during Michigan’s harsh winters.
To maximize efficiency and minimize disruption of the water system upgrades, the OCWRC cross-referenced other planned infrastructure work and coordinated investments, synchronizing road resurfacing, sewer replacement and stormwater upgrades within a single construction cycle.
Project Objectives and Benefits
- Replacing water mains reduces service disruptions while improving water quality.
- Revitalizing sewer systems prevents sewer backups, protecting residents and the environment.
- Coordinating with road work to minimize disruptions and optimize costs.
- Implementing trenchless technology eliminates excavating and reduces restoration costs.
- Protecting natural resources by reducing sewer overflows.
- Providing reliable services attracts residents and businesses, contributing to economic growth
The OCWRC created an interactive story map with photos and videos to showcase the projects happening throughout the city. This tool provides an engaging way to explore the progress and impact of the water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
This "Dig Once" approach significantly reduced construction disruptions for residents and businesses while optimizing each agency's spending and resource utilization. This was achieved by eliminating redundant activities such as permitting, excavation, repaving and traffic control.
Integrated Asset Management helped the team adapt. As new service lines were uncovered and community needs evolved, data-informed decisions kept the project on track and responsive.
With thousands of lead lines replaced and water quality improved, the project stands as a model for how infrastructure asset management supports equity, resilience and smart public investment.
Impact on the Community
With these comprehensive upgrades now completed, the corridors are now ready to serve the city for decades to come, a clear win for integrated infrastructure asset management.
This kind of proactive work has meaningful everyday impact on Pontiac residents. Replacing aging water mains before they break helps avoid disruptive water shutoffs and boil water notices, ensuring families have consistent access to clean, safe water at home and at school. It also strengthens the city’s ability to respond to emergencies by improving water availability for firefighting.
"Working together, we have made impressive progress replacing water pipes, improving sanitary sewer lines and enhancing green stormwater infrastructure and beautifying open spaces," Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel said. "All of these initiatives have benefitted the health and safety of residents."
The Pontiac Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement Project is an example of how infrastructure projects, when properly coordinated and communicated, can significantly improve community quality of life while tackling complex challenges in aging systems. This project is a strong case study that demonstrates when communities invest in integrated asset management, they unlock smarter solutions, stronger infrastructure and healthier futures.
These are the kinds of community-driven outcomes the MIC is working to celebrate across the state. By empowering local leaders with tools, training and resources, the MIC is helping communities take control of their infrastructure futures.
The Pontiac Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement Project illustrates how effective infrastructure investment, guided by data and coordinated planning, can deliver real improvements to the lives of Michigan residents.
Read more about this series and case on LinkedIn.
