The Benton Township Board of Trustees has approved some major water and sewer work.
At this week’s regular meeting, trustees heard from Steve Oosting with civil engineering firm Paine and Newhoff, who said the township has been seeking a State Revolving Fund loan for two lift station projects.
“The township had submitted earlier this year to the state of Michigan seeking a low-interest loan in the amount of $4 million for two projects,” Oosting said. “One was the Empire Avenue lift station. The other was the Trumpeter Bay lift station force main improvements project. I reported to you at the time that the state had issued its intended use plan for 2025, and unfortunately the township was not among those selected for financing.”
However, Oosting said the township last week got a call back from the state, which said the Revolving Fund has money left over for the year. That changes things.
“So the state is now asking the township, ‘Would you like to accept this loan financing and proceed with your project?'”
Oosting said the state has offered a $4 million loan with 20% forgiveness. The rest would be paid off at 1% interest over 20 or 30 years.
Trustees said they do want to proceed with the projects.
Also, Oosting reported back with bids for the construction of new water mains along North Fair Avenue and Nickerson Avenue. This project will be paid for with state grant funds. Trustees approved a bid of $1.5 million from Balkema Excavating out of Kalamazoo to do the work.
