Workers from Benton Harbor are among those who have been hired for the city’s lead water line replacement project.

The city-based contractor B & Z is one of six contractors tackling the project that began in the fall. WNDU reports that at least 582 lead service lines have been replaced out of the nearly 4,000 that will have to be redone by next May.

From the beginning, the city has said an effort to provide jobs in the community was a key part of their plan.