Monroe County to apply for SEMCOG planning grant; public speaker urges study of River Raisin bridge

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners voted May 7 to authorize staff to submit an application for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) planning assistance grant, with the county acting as sole project applicant and providing the local match.

Community Planning and Engagement Director Jason Berry told commissioners the project received two bids that each came in at $60,000 and that the SEMCOG grant amount would be $45,000 with a built-in 18.15% local match. "It's 45,000 and it's got a built in 18.15%, local match, which essentially means that the grant would cover is 36,800 and the county would need to pay the remaining amount of 23,200," Berry said.

During public comment before the vote, resident Dale De Slover urged the board to use the planning grant to study building a steel pedestrian bridge over the River Raisin. "I have a dream and a vision that a steel bridge will be built across the River Raisin," De Slover said, describing the proposal as a long-term civic project and asking commissioners to approve applying for the grant.

County staff told the board they had met with local municipal leaders and received verbal support but no financial commitments from partner municipalities. A staff member said the county could submit the application on its own and would return to the board in about two weeks with a packet that would include drafted letters of support for the application if the board directed staff to proceed.

Commissioner Hoffman moved to allow staff to proceed as the sole applicant and provide the local match; Commissioner Lamour supported the motion. The board voted by roll call and the motion carried.

If funded, the grant would pay for a planning study; any construction or commitments beyond planning were not discussed or decided at the meeting.