OREGON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - About 1,200 workers are taking advantage of the relatively mild winter to build the final portion of a new pipeline to bring water from Lake Huron to communities including Flint.

The Flint Journal reports the $285 million Karegnondi Water Authority project is on track.

Crews are burying the 66-inch-diameter pipeline on a path that starts with an intake at Lake Huron. Sections under construction include parts of Sanilac and Lapeer counties. A $71 million water treatment plant is being built in Oregon Township.

Flint switched from Detroit's water system in 2014 to Flint River water in a cost-cutting move ahead of the Karegnondi project's completion. Residents complained about the taste, smell and appearance, and children were found to have elevated blood-lead levels. Flint returned to Detroit's system in October.

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