Scottville applying for $2.245 million grant for water main replacement. 

Scottville applying for $2.245 million grant for water main replacement. 

SCOTTVILLE — Scottville City Commission took a step towards more water main improvements during its regular meeting Monday, May 9. The commission approved a resolution allowing City Manager Jimmy Newkirk to commit $246,950 as a potential 11% match of a $2.245 million water main replacement project in the area of North Reinberg Avenue, West Beryl Street, West Evergreen Street and North Gay Street. The remainder of the project would be funded by a Water Related Infrastructure grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). 

“A few years ago there was major water main replacement along Main Street and several of the side streets,” Newkirk said. “But, this northwest section of the city, with the exception of West Maple Street, was not part of that project. We have had considerable issues with the water main in that area.” 

Newkirk added that the project would go in line with the state’s requirement that municipalities replace all lead water lines, including service lines leading into homes, within 20 years. 

Dan Sorek, a project engineer from Prein & Newhof civil engineering firm, said the grant will not cover the cost of replacing lines from the street into a home. However, a portion of the city’s 11% match could cover those costs. Sorek said he estimates 30 to 35 homes have lead service lines in that neighborhood. 

Scottville qualifies to apply for the grant based on its population’s average income is low to medium. Sorek said the grant is very competitive. If Scottville were to be approved, which could happen sometime this summer, the project would not be completed until fall of 2024. 

The project would include replacement of water mains, some storm drain work, and complete reconstruction of the streets: 1,400 feet of North Reinberg Avenue from Maple Street to Johnson Road ($756,300); 1,300 feet of West Beryl Street from Main Street to Reinberg Avenue ($639,000); 1,000 feet of Gay Street from Maple Street to Everygreen Street ($455,700); and 320 feet of West Evergreen Street from Gay Street to Reinberg Avenue ($128,300). 

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