Projects

The City of Rockford and neighboring Algoma Township have long grappled with PFAS contamination in their groundwater due to a legacy of historical industrial processes. While Rockford had a public water system, many families in Algoma Township relied on private wells, drawing water from sources now tainted by harmful chemicals.

When Michigan’s Clean Water Contamination and Remediation (C2R2) grant program was announced, the two communities saw their chance for a solution. If they could secure funding, they could extend Rockford’s municipal water system to the affected neighborhoods, giving residents access to clean drinking water. It was an ambitious plan, but one that could restore peace of mind to hundreds of families.

The wheels were set in motion when the grant was secured. The goal was to construct new water mains, install service lines, and connect homes to the public system, allowing residents to abandon their contaminated wells for good.

The path forward wasn’t simple. A key section of the new water main had to cross a river and wetlands, areas with unstable soils already impacted by PFAS. Traditional construction methods would disrupt these sensitive areas, churning up contaminated soil and worsening the problem. To navigate the environmental challenges, the project team turned to horizontal directional drilling (HDD), a method that allowed them to install the water main underground without disturbing the wetlands. This not only minimized the risk of spreading contamination but also reduced waste and preserved the delicate ecosystem.

With careful planning, contractors installed the remaining water mains along public rights-of-way, bringing the project closer to completion. The final step was connecting individual homes. Homeowners worked with private plumbers to make the switch, but thanks to a streamlined reimbursement system—first developed during a similar project in Plainfield Township—residents weren’t burdened with unexpected costs.

The project’s success didn’t just bring clean water to Rockford and Algoma Township; it set a precedent for other communities facing similar challenges. Cascade Township, near Grand Rapids, later adopted the same process for their own C2R2-funded project. The lessons learned in Rockford became a model for how communities across Michigan could efficiently and effectively address water contamination.

After more than 75 years in the same location, Kalamazoo’s Bank Street Farmers Market had outgrown its space. Vendors were regularly turned away due to overcrowding, parking was severely limited, and outdated restrooms needed major renovations. Uneven terrain also posed accessibility issues for patrons, limiting the market’s ability to serve the entire community safely and comfortably.

The project was split into two phases to manage budget constraints: the first phase to address the foremost needs of the market, and the second phase for ancillary items that could wait until additional funding was secured.

At the heart of Phase I was the goal to expand parking and improve overall access. A nearby safety issue, where Bank Street curved toward active railroad tracks at Lake Street, presented an opportunity. By straightening Bank Street to form a T-intersection, the city created space for more parking and enhanced pedestrian safety with new crosswalks and a three-way stop. Water main improvements were also completed, including a looped system, and several condemned homes were acquired and removed to make way for these changes.

Environmental assessments on the site uncovered elevated levels of mercury and arsenic in the soil. Contaminated soil was carefully removed and managed according to environmental regulations, with much of the clean soil preserved and reused onsite.

Because the market sits in a FEMA floodplain, stormwater improvements were critical to remediate the site’s flooding issues. Two large detention basins were added to slow and treat runoff before it enters Portage Creek. Design of the new restroom building was raised to keep it above the floodplain, with future structures planned to stay dry in heavy rain events.

The second phase was finished in December 2025 and included an 8,900-square-foot building for the winter farmers market, named the Cooney Cultivation Center after a recently retired City Commissioner. Phase 2 also included a small, enclosed playground to provide a safe area for children during Farmers Market events. Thanks to these improvements, the Kalamazoo Farmers Market now offers a safer, more accessible, and better-equipped space for vendors and visitors to enjoy this vibrant community hub for years to come.

Lake Street in Kalamazoo Township has long served as a vital connector for residents, businesses, and emergency services. But by 2021, its deteriorating pavement and aging utilities signaled an urgent need for renewal. Initially slated for basic resurfacing and drainage upgrades, the project soon evolved into something more ambitious when it became clear that the 1929-era sewer system beneath the corridor also required replacement.

Recognizing a unique opportunity to coordinate efforts, the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County partnered with the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, and local utilities to fully reconstruct Lake Street as part of its 2022–2026 Capital Improvement Plan. Rather than taking a piecemeal approach, the team pursued a comprehensive overhaul, modernizing not just the roadway, but also the water, sewer, gas, and pedestrian infrastructure.

The reconstruction introduced new curbs and gutters, upgraded storm and sanitary sewer systems, and a new 16-inch water main to more reliably serve the area. ADA-compliant sidewalks were added to improve accessibility, and Consumers Energy simultaneously upgraded gas lines, minimizing the need for future disruptions.

The US-131 business loop cut through the middle of the project, which added difficulties with traffic. Construction plans included shutting down US-131 business loop for 14 days for installing/testing new 16-inch water main and rebuilding the road, but the contractor completed that work in seven days by working days and nights, giving the community a shorter shut down and less disruption.

Despite the complexity of the project, including extensive utility coordination, ongoing supply chain delays, and the challenge of maintaining access to nearby emergency facilities, the project team prioritized clear communication and community engagement from start to finish. Public meetings provided space for resident feedback, while detailed maintenance of traffic (MOT) plans and real-time design adjustments helped reduce disruption. Frequent and proactive updates kept stakeholders informed throughout construction, building community trust and contributing to the project’s successful execution.

Construction faced delays due to significant material shortages but wrapped up in December 2023. Today, Lake Street stands as a model of collaborative infrastructure planning, strengthening connectivity and preparing the corridor to support Kalamazoo’s continued growth.

As residential development increased along Kinney Avenue in the City of Walker, the infrastructure struggled to keep pace. Heavy clay soils in the area limited water infiltration, leading to frequent flooding and ponding along this key corridor. The existing roadside ditches, once sufficient for stormwater management, were no longer adequate. This was especially true as the road became more heavily traveled and the surrounding neighborhoods more densely populated.

To better manage stormwater and support the growing community, the city launched the second phase of a major roadway reconstruction. This phase widened the road from two to three lanes and replaced the ditches with storm sewer, curb, and gutter. Sidewalk was also added along the east side of Kinney Avenue from Leonard Street to Lake Michigan Drive, improving walkability and pedestrian safety.

Designing the new sidewalk presented unexpected challenges. Many properties along the east side sloped sharply down to former ditches, with yards sitting one to two feet below road level. Placing sidewalks above the elevation of these lawns would have created water traps, worsening drainage for homeowners. To solve this, individual stormwater outlets were incorporated for each property. Yard basins were installed just outside the right-of-way to collect runoff and funnel it into the new stormwater system. Easements were secured from property owners to allow for this thoughtful drainage solution.

By carefully rerouting stormwater into an expanded detention basin and away from flood-prone areas, the project not only improved drainage but also reduced the risk of contributing to nearby creek flooding in the Town Creek Drain. The result is a safer, more resilient roadway that meets modern needs while respecting the concerns of nearby residents.

For over a century, the Washington Street Bridge stood as a key connection in the Village of Augusta, carrying traffic over Augusta Creek and linking both sides of the community. Built in 1921, the steel I-beam structure had served its purpose well, but by its 100th year, it was no longer fit for modern needs. Deterioration had taken its toll, and the bridge was downgraded to a five-ton weight limit, forcing fire trucks, ambulances, school buses, and delivery vehicles to reroute, posing risks to safety and daily life in the village.

Determined to replace the failing bridge, the Village applied multiple times through the MDOT Local Bridge Program before finally securing funding. With financial support from federal and state sources totaling over $1 million, the project moved forward to design and construction.

Engineering teams worked together to develop a new 50-foot-span steel bridge with concrete abutments supported by deep cast-in-place piles, built to last and designed to improve traffic flow and safety. Heavy riprap was added to protect Augusta Creek from erosion, preserving the natural channel below.

The effort went beyond the bridge itself. As part of a broader street improvement project, Washington Street was reconstructed between Webster Street and Augusta Drive. The addition of a sidewalk improved pedestrian access, stormwater systems were upgraded for better drainage, and the intersection was modernized to meet ADA requirements.

Despite challenges with late-season construction and utility coordination, the project was completed through careful collaboration. Today, the new Washington Street Bridge stands stronger, wider, and safer—restoring a vital connection in Augusta and supporting the needs of residents and businesses for generations to come.

For decades, the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center (MCRRC) has served as a national model for sustainable wastewater reuse. Spanning 11,000 acres, the system uses treated wastewater to irrigate agricultural fields, transforming a waste stream into a valuable resource for growing corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Its scale and innovation, dating back to its origins as a pilot project by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, make it one of the most unique wastewater reuse systems in the country. Central to the operation is a complex network of lagoons, pump stations, and irrigation rigs. More than 30 miles of pipe feed 53 center-pivot systems, distributing partially treated effluent across thousands of acres for additional treatment prior to discharge to the Mosquito Creek Outfall.

By the mid-2010s, however, aging infrastructure began to hinder performance. The South Irrigation Pump Station, built in 1973, had served well for decades but could no longer meet modern demands. A 2017 study revealed the irrigation pump stations lacked the pressure needed to run all irrigation rigs at once. Some rigs operated inefficiently or not at all. Additionally, flow from the lagoons to the South Irrigation Pump Station relied on the operation of a single gate; failure of this gate could have overflowed the pump station and flooded the surrounding area.

Rather than retrofit outdated equipment, project leaders took a more strategic approach: building a new pump station in a better location. This allowed for elimination of an overgrown ditch, reduced flooding risk by raising the facility’s elevation, and upgraded system technology.

The result is a more resilient, low-maintenance station equipped with six high-performance pumps, automated screening, and robust debris management. With this upgrade, MCRRC continues its legacy of innovation, ensuring West Michigan benefits from reliable, sustainable water reuse for years to come.

After nearly three decades in service, Runway 9/27 had reached the end of its useful life at Roscommon County Blodgett Memorial Airport. Originally reconstructed in 1992, a 2018 pavement inspection revealed a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating of just 40, well below the threshold for safe and efficient operation. With visible deterioration and increasing safety concerns, full reconstruction became a critical priority to support continued aviation activity at the airport.

The project was originally scheduled for 2019 but quickly encountered an unexpected setback. A labor strike involving a key subcontractor for hot mix asphalt (HMA) paving halted progress. With funding tied to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) discretionary grant that had a strict expiration date, quick action was needed to avoid jeopardizing the project. The team strategically exercised the construction contract and secured the funding in advance, keeping the project eligible and moving forward despite the delay.

Sustainability played a key role in the reconstruction approach. Rather than removing and discarding the existing bituminous pavement, the material was pulverized and reused as part of the new aggregate base. This method reduced waste, minimized material hauling, and strengthened the foundation for the new HMA surface.

Construction ultimately delivered a fully reconstructed runway built to modern standards. The updated surface ensures safer landings and takeoffs, improved durability, and a longer service life for the airport’s primary runway. Despite the early challenges, the project is a clear example of adaptive planning and sustainable construction practices working together to meet urgent infrastructure needs while supporting long-term performance.

For more than 80 years, Park Township Airport served as a quiet hub for general aviation, nestled just off Ottawa Beach Road on the way to Lake Michigan. Built in 1937, the airport once welcomed hobby pilots and flying enthusiasts from across the region. But by 2020, with usage dwindling and a millage to support operations failing, the Township faced a new challenge: how to honor the legacy of the site while reimagining its future.

Rather than leave the land dormant, Township leaders invited the community to help shape a new vision. Residents responded with enthusiasm, expressing a desire for a recreational space that could serve people of all ages. Ideas included multi-use trails, a playground, splash pad, community garden, and a plaza dedicated to veterans. Among the most popular suggestions was a state-of-the-art pickleball facility that could draw both casual players and competitive tournaments.

Construction of the new facility was completed in spring 2024. Ten tournament-level pickleball courts were built using post-tensioned concrete for durability, surrounded by pedestrian pathways, lighting, shade shelters, and a promenade that connects the site’s features. The layout supports year-round activity and sets the foundation for future expansion, with the potential for 10 to 16 more courts and expanded trails.

This revitalized space reflects Park Township’s commitment to honoring its history while investing in recreation and community wellness. What was once a place for takeoffs and landings is now a vibrant destination for sport, play, and connection—welcoming a new generation of visitors to an old, familiar site.

Ludington has long been a haven for boaters, anglers, and lake lovers. Nestled on the north side of the channel between Lake Michigan and Pere Marquette Lake, the Ludington Municipal Marina has welcomed visitors since 1979. It’s a prime spot for salmon and trout fishing—so much so that, according to DNR reports, Ludington sees more fish caught per angler hour than anywhere else in Michigan.

After decades of service, the marina’s infrastructure was showing its age. By 2019, the utilities were outdated, struggling to keep up with modern boats. Electrical issues raised safety concerns, the floating docks were failing, and the marina lacked accessible boat slips. The four original floating docks constructed in 1981 were in particular need of replacement due to failing floats, lack of accessibility, and to improve functionality.

A preliminary engineering study guided the scope of the project and helped secure crucial grant funding through the DNR Waterways program. Permits were obtained, and a phased approach was developed to ensure smooth transitions between upgrades.

Timing was critical as construction had to take place outside the busy boating season to minimize disruption. However, nature had its own plans as record-high water levels caused flooding during the first phase. Later stages faced unexpected material delays, but the team pressed forward despite these challenges. Dock C was completed  in 2021, ensuring accessibility and laying the groundwork for improved electrical and fire protection systems. The rest of the docks were completed by 2025. Each phase was carefully coordinated to keep the marina operational while progressing toward completion.

The transformation was made possible through a combination of marina funds and MDNR grants. While the project used floating dock designs not typically funded by the DNR, they proved to be the best solution for Ludington’s unique waterfront and were approved for use. Today, the Ludington Municipal Marina stands renewed and ready to welcome boaters for years to come.

When the Kent County Youth Agricultural Association acquired a sprawling, unused golf course in 2018, it was clear that the old site in Lowell no longer met the needs of the Youth Fair. Limited space, outdated facilities, floodplain concerns, and insufficient parking and accessibility were making it increasingly difficult to host livestock shows, educational events, and visitors safely and comfortably.

Project stakeholders embarked on a bold transformation, converting the land into the Grand Agricultural Center of West Michigan, affectionately known as “The Grand.” After careful planning, site design, and environmental review, the new fairgrounds opened in July 2023. The initial phase introduced modern horse and livestock barns, multiple arenas, a show pavilion, and basic camping facilities. The expansion provided a flexible space for both youth-focused events and broader community gatherings.

A crucial component of the infrastructure improvements was the wastewater collection system, featuring a lagoon-style treatment plant and a well-field drinking water system. These upgrades were essential to support year-round operations, including exhibitions and educational programs, while ensuring public health and environmental compliance.

Since the ribbon-cutting event, The Grand has become one of Michigan’s few venues capable of hosting large-scale, year-round equestrian and agricultural events. Its new capabilities include campgrounds, modern educational facilities, and multipurpose spaces that significantly enhance the region’s offerings. The Grand is more than just a community’s fairgrounds, it’s a regional destination where youth, families, and agricultural enthusiasts can gather to learn and celebrate.