Onaway closes on loan and grant for M-68 project

Tuesday was a big day for the City of Onaway as it closed on a $325,000 loan and $975,000 grant with the United States Department of Agriculture ? Rural Development (USDA-RD). With those funds the city will be able to install approximately 1 1/2 miles of new 12-inch water main as well as new hydrants, valves and services through the heart of the city?s water system along M-68.

The $1.3 million in funding will be just a part of the $4.5 million M-68 project, which is an endeavor of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and includes new pavement, sidewalk, curb, gutter, storm drain, streetlights, flower planters and trash receptacles.

Low bidder M&M Excavating of Gaylord was awarded the contract by MDOT and has tentative plans to start the job on April 4 with hopes of having it completed by October. Currently the plan is single-width construction with flagmen. However, the city, contractor and MDOT are evaluating the use of city streets as detour routes to allow for full-width construction if doing so is feasible and provides for an earlier completion day.

A public meeting on the project will be held March 23 from 5-7 p.m. at the courthouse. The meeting will be hosted by MDOT and will include a brief presentation of the project and a chance to be introduced to the contractor. Those in attendance will then have the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the project. Citizens and business owners will also be able to meet one-on-one with MDOT or the contractor, or both, if they choose too.

?Though most of the comments I?ve heard

about this project have been highly favorable, I know that many of our M-68 business owners are deeply concerned about the economic impact this summer could have,? said city manager Joseph Hefele. ?While MDOT ultimately oversees the project, the city certainly is interested in any suggestions and ideas those business owners may have about lessening the economic impact,? he said.

Hefele notes that while many have been focusing on the streetscape aspect of the project it is the water main replacement that was the driving force for the project. The new 12-inch main will replace 110-year-old four-inch mains.

?The city has an engineering study of its water system on file with the state that calls for the old main to be replaced,? Hefele said. ?From an economic standpoint, there was probably never going to be a perfect year to do it. However, through this great partnership with MDOT, not only will the water main be replaced, but many other great improvements to the business district will be made, including the streetscape, all at very little cost to the people of Onaway,? said Hefele.