Detroit Leverages HUD Funds to Protect 1,500 Homes from Basement Flooding

Detroit officials have announced a major expansion of the city’s Private Sewer Repair Program (PSRP), aimed at fortifying homes against future flooding events. Supported by $43 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the initiative will now reach 97 neighborhoods—up from the original 22—addressing a critical vulnerability in Detroit’s residential infrastructure.

The program, which launched in 2024 following the devastating June 2021 floods, has already assisted more than 400 households. With the expansion, an additional 1,100 homes will receive private sewer line repairs, bringing total coverage to approximately 1,500 residences.

Responding to Climate Risks with Infrastructure Investment

The 2021 floods marked a historic disaster for Detroit, with over six inches of rain in 12 hours overwhelming the city’s sewer systems and impacting an estimated 30,000 households. In the wake of this disaster, Detroit secured a national emergency declaration, unlocking FEMA resources and leading to HUD’s allocation of $95 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. Nearly half of those funds are now earmarked for the PSRP to prevent future basement backups.

“Repairing hundreds of damaged private sewer lines is just one of the many ways we are investing to make Detroit more resilient to flooding and the effects of climate change,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “This program will help 1,500 Detroit families protect their homes against the major storms we expect to see more of in the future.”

Targeted Repairs to Prevent Future Basement Flooding

The program offers eligible households comprehensive sewer infrastructure services, including:

• Camera scoping and cleaning of private sewer lateral lines
• Disconnection of downspouts with extensions installed
• Repair or replacement of damaged sewer lines, including cleanout installation
• Backwater valve installation to prevent sewer backups

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Director Gary Brown emphasized the program's impact, noting,

“Nearly 30% of private sewer lateral lines inspected are damaged or disconnected, which significantly increases the risk of basement flooding. These repairs, often too costly for homeowners, will now be accessible thanks to HUD’s support.”

Expanding Sewer System Capacity Across the City

Beyond the PSRP, Detroit is also undertaking a suite of infrastructure projects to increase its stormwater management capacity. DWSD cleaned over 650 miles of sewer lines in 2024 and inspected nearly 7,000 catch basins. For 2025, this aggressive maintenance schedule will continue.

Additional flood mitigation efforts include:

• $100 million invested in flood management projects, including two large detention basins in West Detroit
• A proposed 16-acre stormwater management initiative in Brightmoor
• An Eastside flood resiliency study to address vulnerabilities in that region
• $500 million in ongoing sewer separation projects led by regional and federal agencies

Eligibility and Community Support for Residents

To qualify for the PSRP, homeowners must meet HUD’s income limits (below 80% of Area Median Income), reside in a single-family structure, and demonstrate damage from the June 2021 flood. Homes must be located in one of the designated 97 neighborhoods, which span all seven City Council districts.

To ensure accessibility, Detroit has launched a robust community support initiative, including application assistance through the Detroit Housing HelpLine and in-person events.

“This expansion of the Private Sewer Repair Program is a vital step toward strengthening Detroit’s resilience in the face of climate change,” said Rico Razo, Chief of Home Repair & Neighborhood Services. “We are committed to ensuring that every eligible homeowner receives the support needed to safeguard their property.”