Houghton County approves $180,495 watershed grant, pledges in‑kind county services
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Summary
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners approved participation in a $180,495 Emergency Watershed Protection Program grant, agreeing the county’s $45,125.75 local share will be met with in‑kind services from the County Road Commission and partners rather than direct county funds.
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 on Nov. 22 to accept a $180,495 Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) grant to address seven flood-damaged sites, with the county covering a required $45,125.75 local share through in-kind services rather than cash.
The grant and local share were described at a special meeting in the courthouse conference room. Administrator Larson said the County Road Commission has agreed to provide services and possibly rock to stabilize affected locations, and that the Village of Lake Linden and Schoolcraft Township are considering small contributions to join the effort. Commissioner Joel Keranen moved to approve the agreement; Commissioner Roy Britz seconded the motion, and the board voted unanimously in favor. Commissioner Glenn Anderson was absent.
Why it matters: the EWPP is a federal program that funds emergency repairs to watershed and drainage problems after damaging floods. The county’s acceptance of the grant will allow work to begin on priority sites more quickly, including a sinkhole Administrator Larson said should be addressed this year.
What commissioners said: Chairman Tom Tikkanen said county staff have coordinated with local jurisdictions to identify seven priority sites. Administrator Larson outlined the total grant amount ($180,495) and the required local share ($45,125.75), noting that the local share can be provided as in‑kind services. Commissioner Keranen said Schoolcraft Township’s representative, Josh Loukus, will contact landowners to obtain permission for work on private property. Commissioner Roy Britz asked whether approving the agreement could create broader county obligations to make other repairs; Commissioner Keranen responded that the listed projects conform to EWPP eligibility requirements.
Next steps and timeline: Commissioners said the most pressing repairs could proceed before year’s end, with remaining work scheduled for spring 2024. Administrator Larson recommended involving the Drain Commissioner in planning and execution. The board did not authorize county cash expenditures for the local share; the motion specifies use of in‑kind services.
Meeting notes: the special meeting opened at 10:00 a.m.; the agenda was approved by vote earlier in the session. There were no public comments on agenda items. The board adjourned at 10:14 a.m.