Earlier this year we worked with the Allegan Township Board to apply for low-interest funding through the State of Michigan EGLE SRF (Clean Water State Revolving Fund). Recently, we received notice that our project had been selected was now eligible for $14.1M in funding under the EGLE SRF program. (Note: This is a low interest loan program with a scheduled 30-year payment period)

While this is exciting news, it comes very late in the funding cycle and there are critical steps that must be met before the Township can responsibly accept the funds.

To help keep you informed here are few quick details about what this means or what is ahead:

• Our project has been recognized as being valid and worthy of funding
• We will continue to keep our residents informed as this progresses
• Our residents will have a say in what happens – through Sewer District Petition process and all required hearings
• We need to confirm clear community support to move forward (Signatures on an official petition) 
• We have a very short time window (we are working to confirm the exact amount of time)
• We have a preliminary design and estimated project cost of $14.1M
  • Assuming we move forward there is a requirement for detailed design and a bid process to determine the final project cost

We know there are additional questions, and it is important to know there are multiple aspects of this effort ahead of us:

• The sewer project had NOT been decided, nor is a “done deal”
• It does NOT mean others will make all the decisions for you
  • A petition process is required to move forward
  • The law requires multiple public hearings
  • There are legal means to appeal inclusion or exclusion from the proposed district
• We have a preliminary design and project estimate that includes sizable contingencies, but a final design is required
  • Assuming we move forward, there is a requirement for detailed design and a bid process to determine the final project cost

As mentioned above, the timelines to accept the funds is exceptionally short and if we are unable to accomplish them there are potential consequences.

We will keep you updated as we know more.