RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Racine city leaders are helping move the community one step closer to being lead-free. 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday, May 20, marking the start of construction on lead service line replacement efforts as part of the EquiFlow lead-free program, an initiative aimed at replacing an estimated 10,000 lead service lines over the next five years. 

The $130 million project is meant to improve Racine's access to safe drinking water, creating a long-term solution for the health of the public.

"So not only are we bringing safe drinking water to our residents, but we're creating real job opportunities for local residents to get into the trades," Racine Mayor Cory Mason said. 

This year alone, the project is hoping to replace more than 650 lead service lines.