Goodrich Village officials say they sure could use $1 million for a new dam spillway. Similarly, for years the Village of Ortonville residents have pined for a sewer system; that’s if they could find a cool $16 million to spend on the project.
Local administrators are optimistic that when the federal government doles out the economic stimulus checks later this year, some of those checks end up in local coffers.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009 passed last week by the Senate includes sparking public sector jobs, protecting vital public services, enhancing energy efficiency and upgrading key local infrastructure.
Since late last year, area officials have been grappling with a variety of projects in categories such as sewer systems, roads, water management and upgrades to public buildings.
For example, Goodrich Village Administrator Jakki Sidge requested almost $3 million for upgrades to Hegel Road, Erie Street and continuation of a county drain.
‘If you don’t apply for this money you’ll never get it,? said Sidge. ‘Right now we’re not sure what projects will get approved or how the money will be divided up. Last tally, Genesee County has more than $700 million in projects.?
In Ortonville, Village Manager Ed Coy is requesting funds for a sewer system in additon to about $300,000 for resurfacing South Street from the Kearsley Creek bridge to M-15.
‘We have to be optimistic,? said Coy. ‘We are in the running for these projects and will continue to pursue those federal dollars when they become available.?
Groveland Township Supervisor Robert DePalma and Brandon Township Supervisor Kathy Thurman did not request funding for projects.