Updated: 8/18/2008
This page is designed to be a reference point to help keep you informed of the details
related to the Michigan DEQ grant obtained to study the need and feasibility
of a sewer project for Miner Lake. Below, you will find links to various articles
(both from the Miner Lake Association and local media), documents, discussions,
web-based resources and a calendar of important meetings. All of this is designed
to help you make an informed decision regarding your position on the need for sewer
at Miner Lake.
Important materials on this page
Background
In the fall of 2006, the leadership of the Miner Lake Association was made aware of
a grant program being offered by the Michigan DEQ to fund 90% of the study of the
need for and feasibility of sewer for selected communities. We were made aware of the
"S2" grant program through Allegan Township Supervisor Steve Schultz and were
introduced to members of the engineering firm Fleis & Vandenbrink (Grand Rapids).
The state legislature set aside $40 million to be used, and as of the time that
the board was contacted, in excess of $35 million had been granted. The remaining
funds were being pursued by many communities and were not expected to last very
long. Fleis & Vandenbrink had successfully obtained grant funds for a number of
communities, and after researching the program we determined that it would be a
good idea to support Allegan Township as it sought a grant for a portion of the
remaining S2 funds.
Additionally, recipients of the S2 funds are encouraged to apply for a State of
Michigan subsidized loan program through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Strategic
Water Quality Initiatives Fund (SWQIF). These loans are very low interest rate funds
(typically between 1.5% and 2.5%) with a 20 year targeted payback. The funds are
designated for projects that may not otherwise be completed without this assistance.
The S2 grants are designed to help communities determine if they have a need that
can be addressed with assistance from the SRF/SWQIF program.
On October 2, 2006, the Allegan Township Board was presented with a motion to pay
for the costs associated with an application for the S2 grant (article).
The board
voted unanimously to cover those original costs ($800). Fleis & Vandenbrink
Engineering was selected to file the application.
On January 2, 2007, the Allegan Township Board announced the successful award offer
for the S2 grant. The Allegan Township Board voted unanimously to accept the grant
and fund the remaining 10% match (article). Approximately $22,000 was authorized
to be used for the study ($19,800 from the MDEQ). The board also voted to have Fleis
& Vandenbrink conduct the study.
In the months to follow, Fleis & Vandenbrink arranged meetings with Allegan County
and Township officials and gathered pertinent details related to soils and water
in the Miner Lake area. They also worked with officials from the Allegan Department
of Health to understand the current state of septic systems (per public records).
The water quality reports from ProgressiveAE were reviewed.
Fleis & Vandenbrink is preparing a DRAFT version of the study to be presented
to the Allegan Township Board on May 7th. This report will detail the findings of
the study as well as possible options to handle human waste water either now
or in the future.
Calendar of upcoming events
|
Date/time |
Event |
Location |
|
May 24th 8:30am (Sat) |
Miner Lake Association Spring Meeting |
Allegan Township Hall |
|
May 31st 8:30am (Sat) |
Special Meeting - Leichti Knoll
Contact: Norm Gant (269) 673-5831 |
George Greig's home (269) 673-2109 |
|
May 31st 10:30am (Sat) |
Special Meeting - Lonny Resort and Bishop
Contact: Lori Stuenkel (269) 868-8424 |
Terry Skoglund's home (269) 673-7355 |
|
May 31st 1:30pm
(Sat) |
Special Meeting - Unger Resort
Contact: Jean Barnum (269) 673-3614 |
Terry Skoglund's home (269) 673-7355 |
|
June 7th 8:30am (Sat) |
Special Meeting - Horseshoe Cove and Stoney Pt.
Contact: Russ Button (269) 685-0179 |
Jerry Young's home (269) 650-0948 |
|
June 7th 10:30am (Sat) |
Special Meeting - Point Lorraine
Contact: Sam Martin (616) 378-0356 |
Sam Martin's home (616) 378-0356 |
|
June 14th 8:30am (Sat) |
Special Meeting - Haas Drive
Contact: Carl Fuller (269) 673-7187 |
Carl Fuller's home (269) 673-7187 |
|
June 14th 10:30am (Sat) |
Special Meeting - Bayview and Crystal Cove
Contact: Dee Teasdale (616) 610-0054 |
Dee Teasdale's home (616) 610-0054 |
|
June 21st 8:30am (Sat) |
Special Meeting - Benny, Koteras and Miner Lake
Contact: Jim or Judy Wendt (269) 673-3554
Contact: Don or JoAnn Carlson (269) 673-4494 |
Don Carlson's home (269) 673-4494 |
|
June 21st 10:30am (Sat) |
Special Meeting - Neighborhood Meeting |
TBD |
|
June 27th 7:00pm (Fri) |
Special Meeting - All Member Sewer Meeting |
Allegan Township Hall |
Documents Related to The Proposed Miner Lake Sewer District (NEW)
- Calculations for Hopkins alternative (PDF 11 kb) Compares possible O&M savings to the increased construction costs.
Provides a break even point.
Details about the S2 Grant and the SRF/SWQIF Loan program
Documents Related to Sewer Study (Completed)
Tony Groves from Progressive AE has created reports that you can download and review.
- Sewer - Want to discuss this topic with others?
Try using this forum to review other member's opinions and share some of your own.