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Monroe County agrees to seek SEMCOG planning grant after resident outlines River Raisin bridge idea
Summary
Monroe County commissioners voted to have county staff apply as sole applicant for a SEMCOG Planning Assistance Grant to fund a plan for a proposed River Raisin pedestrian bridge after a resident urged the county to pursue the funding and staff described bid and match details.
Monroe County commissioners voted May 7 to authorize staff to proceed as the sole applicant and funder of the local match for a Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) planning assistance grant that staff says would fund a study for a proposed pedestrian bridge over the River Raisin.
A resident who addressed the board during public comment said he wanted the county to use the SEMCOG grant to put a bridge proposal “on paper.” "I have a dream and a vision that a steel bridge will be built across the River Raisin," Dale De Slover told the board, comparing the concept to Dublin’s Ha'penny Bridge and asking commissioners to vote to start work on the idea.
County Community Planning and Engagement Director Jason Berry told commissioners staff had solicited two bids to produce the plan. "We sought two bids, from Mannik Smith and Wade Trim, and they both finalized at $60,000 for the total cost," Berry said. He described the grant as a $45,000 award with a built‑in 18.15% local match and summarized the county’s share as about $23,200 for this project as presented to the board.
Berry said staff had met with municipal leaders and received verbal support but no letters committing funds. He said the county can submit the SEMCOG application on its own and, if the board directs, will prepare the application and return to the board in two weeks with letters of support on county letterhead for the packet to SEMCOG.
The motion to direct staff to proceed as the applicant and fund the local match was moved by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Lamour and carried on a roll call that recorded “yes” votes from the commissioners present.
Why it matters: Monroe County staff positions and planning capacity were referenced during public comment as a rationale for using outside planning assistance; if funded, the SEMCOG grant would pay for a professional plan that could guide later design, permitting or funding steps for a River Raisin crossing. The application would not guarantee construction funding; it would fund only planning work as described to the board.
Next steps: Staff will prepare the SEMCOG application, seek letters of support from stakeholders and return the completed application packet to the board at a future meeting for final submission to SEMCOG.
