Cascade Township OKs 2025 local roads program; asks for $180,000 in added funding to finish carryover work

Cascade Charter Township approved the 2025 local roads program on Jan. 23 after a presentation by township engineer Eric Thorn and remarks from Kent County Road Commission managing director Jerry Burns.

Thorn said the program covers just over eight miles of surface improvements and includes about 2.22 miles in the Burger Goodwood neighborhood that are grant‑funded to repair roadways following water‑main extension and PFAS remediation work. He told the board last year’s contractor failed to complete roughly $145,000 of previously budgeted overlay work, leaving an overall budget shortfall; staff requested an additional $180,000 to finish that work.

Burns explained the county’s 50/50 cost‑share arrangement with townships and described the county’s annual PASER pavement‑rating program, noting the county rates local asphalt each year and uses chip seals and fog seals selectively to preserve pavement and increase friction. "The number 1 safety factor we can do to a road is put some friction on it so your tires adhere better, turn better, stop better," he said.

Board members asked technical questions about when chip seals are appropriate versus hot‑mix overlays, how to address recurring puddles due to base failure, speed‑limit setting (the county cited the 80th‑percentile standard with state police), and whether a multi‑year plan would be provided. Burns said staff would prepare a three‑year or three‑season projection and encouraged township staff and supervisors to drive candidate roads with county staff.

Trustee Shipley moved to approve the county work orders and program as presented; Trustee Rizzi supported the motion. The board approved the 2025 local roads program by voice vote.

Staff said the county will include the township’s work in its bid package and that reconstruction and overlays are scheduled to avoid heavy construction traffic during water‑main work this summer.