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Kiwanis Regional Trail Authority confronts multi-million‑dollar bridge repairs, debates funding options
Summary
Members agreed bridges are the authority’s top priority after a bridge analysis showed numerous structures in need of repair; the group discussed grants, a potential millage, special assessments and local fundraising after a DNR grant and local fundraising left a shortfall.
The Kiwanis Regional Trail Authority spent the bulk of its meeting reviewing a bridge analysis that members said shows multiple trail bridges have reached or are nearing a critical condition and will require substantial investment to remain open. The authority’s presenter summarized the trail’s history, a $300,000 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grant used for an extension, and cost overruns that left the project short of its target despite roughly $395,000 raised locally.
Authority members said the first priority is repairing bridges to avoid partial or full closures. “If those bridges become unsafe and the onus is all on the city of Adrian to fix those bridges, would they shut them down?” an authority speaker asked, framing the urgency that drove the discussion. Jason, the authority’s maintenance presenter, described recent spot repairs — including rail and floorboard work at the Bent Oak Crossing Bridge — and recommended a winter assessment for aerial tree work and further bridge repairs.
The authority discussed several funding paths. Members identified state and federal grant programs (the presenter referenced the TAP program and the previously awarded DNR grant), potential municipal bond financing tied to an authority millage, special assessment districts, and local fundraising or campaigns. Participants debated whether a millage should be countywide or limited to municipalities that participate in the authority; one presenter said a millage requires approval in each participating municipality and that the exit of Raisin Township complicates any countywide plan.
Several practical figures were cited: the presenter said the authority’s balance sheet shows a fund balance of $236,003.00 and noted a previously reported project shortfall of about $180,000 on the DNR-funded extension. Members discussed an engineering estimate for comprehensive bridge work roughly described in the meeting as $2.1 million, although one commenter described larger tunnel-related costs on a separate project and urged not to reallocate those funds for bridges.
Attendees also considered governance and membership dynamics. Several speakers urged reconciling with Raisin Township to restore a four‑municipality partnership and make future funding campaigns more viable. Others urged a more pragmatic, project‑by‑project approach while the authority investigates grant eligibility for bridge replacements.
The authority did not adopt a binding funding plan during the meeting; members agreed to pursue state-level inquiries, consultant support and follow-up work. The presenter said he would circulate the historical documents, bridge analysis and contact information for consultant Bob Ford to assist further planning. The authority moved the planning discussion forward with no immediate vote on new financing or millage placement.
Next steps: staff and members will investigate eligibility for grant programs and report back; the presenter said he would send electronic copies of the bridge study and related materials to the board.
