Bethel retired from EGLE as district supervisor with the Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division in September 2022 and joined OHM Advisors as a senior project engineer in January 2023. She started working as a district engineer and worked her way up to the Lansing district supervisor. Her 27 years of experience with EGLE included assisting community water suppliers in compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations, guiding them on how to get back into compliance when in violation, directing them to funding sources for capital improvements, reviewing and scoring project plans for funding, performing water system evaluations, reviewing construction plans and specifications, and issuing permits. She is very enthusiastic in using these skills with her new role as partner with MI Funding Hub and the communities being served.
Working with OHM Advisors for a year and a half now, Bethel has acquired additional experience outside of the regulatory sphere, which has enhanced her perspectives on how to guide and support communities toward funding opportunities and providing technical assistance relating to drinking water and wastewater, contamination, recycling, and other funding sources.
Q: Why do you work in community advancement?
I collaborated with several communities during my time with EGLE and I can tell which communities need improvements. It is very painful to see communities struggling to meet regulations and protect public health while not being able to provide the quality of life their residents need. My passion to serve and respond to the needs of communities inspires me to advocate for community advancement.
Q: What is one thing you wish communities seeking funding knew?
There are more funding opportunities now available that can help communities address their needs and improve their quality of life. The one thing I wish communities seeking funding knew is that MI Funding Hub is a wonderful place to start. Once you sign up for coaching, you will get excellent help on how to successfully seek available funding and learn essential information on how to develop strong grant or loan funding applications.
NOTE: Site search does not include grant search. See Find Funding page for grant searching.