FLINT, MI - A state representative is calling into question the city of Flint's decision not to accept what he's dubbed a common-sense offer from a California-based company of free pipes to aid in replacement of service lines.

Rep. Joseph Graves, R-Argentine Township, said Monday, June 27 the city should accept an offer by JM Eagle placed on the table during a February 2016 council meeting by Walter Wang, the company's CEO, for residential and commercial pipes.

"This is a generous offer that will save millions of dollars - taxpayer dollars from across the state - and provides the city with safe, clean water for decades to come," said Graves in a statement. "I don't understand why Mayor Weaver has not accepted the gift."

Graves noted the durability of the pipe and pointed out the city of Burton's decision to use plastic pipes during an upgrade of its 19-mile system at a price tag of $2.2 million less than the next closest bidder.

He said the city had turned down the offer, but in response to the comments Weaver said the door has not been closed by the city.

Product engineers consulted by the city in regards to the proposal "raised some concerns about the lifespan of the plastic pipes due to the harsh weather conditions we experience in Michigan," Weaver said.

Additional research is being conducted on the differences between copper and plastic piping, Weaver said, along with asking the state Department of Environmental Quality and other independent experts for their advice about the company's product.

The city is awaiting responses back from those parties before making a decision on the offer and plans on reaching back to the company to answer questions and clarify issues identified during their research.

While Graves does not represent the city of Flint in his district, he said "As a former Genesee County commissioner and township trustee and clerk, I know the budgetary challenges local government can face."

He added the installation of plastic pipes would be 40 percent less expensive than other materials, not require roadways to be torn up, and no need for anti-corrosive chemicals upon placement.

"Right now the mayor is saying all the bids to replace pipes came in too high, and wants contractors to take into consideration the city's limited resources," said Graves, in reference to Weaver's statement of "extremely high" bids that led to no contracts being awarded.

While it's been seven months since Walter Wang, CEO of JM Eagle went before the Flint City Council, Graves said the mayor's comments offer "the perfect time to bring up the issue" that could save taxpayers millions of dollars.

Nearly three dozen service lines have been replaced in the city as part of the mayor's Fast Start program, paid for in a $500,000 contract the state had with Rowe Engineering.

The city also has $2 million it was repaid by the state for reconnecting to Detroit's water system for infrastructure repairs.

As the city mulls over the proposal, Weaver said "we will continue to use copper pipes as we move forward with the next phase of the FAST Start initiative."

There are an estimated 43,000 service lines in the Flint including 3,500 lead lines, 9,000 known galvanized lines and 9,000 unknown service lines.

Graves noted the Karegnondi Water Authority, the water source tabbed for future use by the city of Flint, is using plastic pipes at the intake section of the system as protection against zebra mussels.

"If there are any concerns about the safety of plastic pipes -- and there should not be, as the pipes meet all standards for delivering chemical-free drinking water -- perhaps the mayor should reconsider where the city gets its water from," he said.

Calling the state legislature "very accommodating in appropriating funds for Flint to replace lead lines," Graves said city officials should be making all efforts it can "to save taxpayer money being used to fix the water problem."

"This is really a no-brainer solution to a problem that has already cost Michigan taxpayers millions of dollars, and could cost millions more in the future," he said. "To squander millions of dollars when it is not necessary would be disingenuous, to say the least."