OTSEGO COUNTY - The Otsego County Road Commissioners approved their $6.9 million, 2005 operating budget, with the understanding that it may increase by another $1.2 million pending approval of a project on Old 27, according to Managing Director Mike Roper.
"I have to include all money spent on roads, whether that comes from the federal, state or local governments," Roper explained, noting the budget is $300,000 higher than last year. "If we get approval for the Old 27 project, then I will have to amend the budget to reflect that $1.2 million to this years budget. Our budgets change all the time in proportion to the money received for funding."
That project, if approved by the Community Development Block Grant Administration, represents a partnership with that organization and Corwith Township, the village of Vanderbilt, and the road commission to conduct a crush and shape repaving project on a 4.24 mile stretch of Old 27, north of Winters Road to Thumb Lake Road.
Roper also confirmed work to be done on a three-quarter-of-a-mile stretch of West Otsego Lake Drive, south of Manuka Lake Road. "This will also be a crush and shape project with guard rail replacement," stated Roper. The project is expected to cost $200,000 which will be paid for by an 80-20 matching grant with safety improvement money administered by the state of Michigan and the road commission. The work is not connected to 2004 improvements to West Otsego Lake Drive.
"We are awaiting approval of state funds for a road improvement to upgrade South Town Line Road from M-32 to Milbocker Road to Category A status," said Roper. "This is a joint effort with Hayes and Bagley Townships, and the City of Gaylord who each have committed to contributing $70,000, and the county road commission will be contributing $160,000 while the state of Michigan would make up the $490,000 difference of the $860,000 project." Roper was careful to point out the funding is still pending state approval.
A proposed improvement to Mancelona Road from Hayes Tower Road to the Antrim County line has been postponed until 2006, reported Roper.