Announcement

Date of Meeting: Monday, April 20, 2026

Time of Hearing: 7:00 p.m.

Place of Hearing: Ford River Township Hall, 3845 K Rd, Bark River MI

Purpose of Hearing:

The Township of Ford River will hold a public meeting on the proposed Township Board meeting on the proposed DWSR Water Improvements Project for the purpose of receiving comments from interested persons. 

The purpose of the proposed project is to address water service line replacements required by the 2018 Lead and Copper Rule. Alternate 1 details the self–funding option for investigating and replacing lead–impacted service lines directly from the water department’s cash reserves. This process must by complete by the State deadline of 2040. Alternative 2 runs a funding scenario using Michigan Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan (with potential loan forgiveness). This alternative has additional engineering and administrative costs, but divides these construction costs over the life of a 30–year loan. Current estimates of service line materials indicate 111 of 201 water services are in need of replacement. 

Additional capital improvement items for the water system are included in the project plan, such as a new wellhouse at the base of the water tower. For improved water system resilience, two additional alternatives are included. Alternative 3 details directionally boring a replacement river crossing with 8–inch HDPE or Alternative 4, the addition of a third well on the west side of the Ford River. Due to the necessary expense of lead service line replacement, water main and water well alternatives will not be included in FY2027 request for funding. 

Project construction for lead service line replacement will include “potholing,” a small excavation to expose service line materials, for investigation of unknown services. Galvanized materials previously or currently connected to lead and all lead pipe will be removed from the ground by excavation and replacement. 

Impacts of the proposed project will likely include temporary water interruptions and traffic disruption. Safety is a priority, and boil water advisories or other precautions will be communicated to the public. All disturbed public and private property will be restored to existing grade and planted with grass seed. Services are expected to be replaced in the same or nearly the same location as the previously installed service. Some trees, mailboxes, and other obstacles may necessarily be removed during construction and will be coordinated with the service owner.

The estimated cost to users for the proposed project will be $55-$85 per month depending on self–funding from cash reserves or low–interest loan funding from DWSRF. Total project cost is expected to be up to $2,800,000 for replacing all lead–impacted service lines. 

Copies of the plan detailing the proposed project are available for inspection at the following locations: Ford River Township Hall and www.fordriver.org. 

Written comments received before the meeting record is closed on April 20th 7:00 p.m. will receive responses in the final project planning document. Written comments should be sent to [email protected]. 

 

Posted by Township Official: Deanna Zeits, Deputy Clerk

Date and Time of Posting: April 6, 2026, 11:40 a.m.