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Drain commissioner describes major Floria/Watson culvert project, turtle crossings and DEQ/MDOT complications
Summary
The Drain Commission reported extensive maintenance work countywide and described a Floria/Watson culvert project completed for about $430,000 — well under an initial $2.3 million estimate — that included mandated turtle crossings, DEQ permitting issues and coordination with MDOT and neighboring authorities.
A long Drain Commission briefing dominated the morning’s presentations. The commissioner (identified in the transcript as Jim) reviewed routine work — beaver removals, tile and drain repairs, clearing operations — and then summarized a complex culvert replacement and wildlife‑protection project near Delton.
The Floria/Watson crossing work arose after flooding concerns and a court process brought scrutiny from DEQ and MDOT. Project plans originally estimated an $2.3 million remediation under DEQ and MDOT proposals; the county and contractors redesigned the solution, added features (sealable access, intake and overflow, rip rap and inspection cover), and completed the work for roughly $430,000, the commissioner said. The work required coordination with MDOT, the road commission and a Western Michigan University research or monitoring agreement and involved moving or protecting a Southwest Sewer Authority pressure main.
A significant element of the project was turtle protection. Commissioners and staff described a design that included a long, covered “turtle crossing” culvert with rock substrate and a separate smaller crossing monitored for mortality. Pierce Cedar Creek and other partners will monitor use and mortality; DEQ required permits and set operating constraints because wetlands and lake levels were implicated. The commissioner said MDOT agreed to pay for an upgraded culvert under Sprag Road and that MDOT covered 100% of that particular item.
Why it matters: The project illustrates the intersection of county drainage obligations, environmental permitting and interagency coordination. The commissioner noted the county’s legal obligations under historic drain easements dating to the 1920s and that some utilities have been placed too high in the easement, complicating repairs. He also noted that the county prevailed in a prior Crooked Lake lawsuit over flooding claims after substantial expense.
Next steps and monitoring: The Drain Office will install about 1,600 feet of 4‑foot‑tall turtle fencing along M‑43 and monitor crossings; Pierce Cedar Creek will help track effectiveness for several years. The commission emphasized the cost‑sensitivity of drain projects and described efforts to record historic easements to reduce future conflicts.
Representative quote: "We got it done for 430,000 and then…they planned on 2.3 million," the commissioner said, summarizing cost differences and mandated environmental constraints.
The board did not take formal action on the report but asked questions and discussed follow‑up monitoring and coordination.
