South Bloomfield wins $1.5 million from House Bill 2 for US-23 project; village sets bid schedule

Village Administrator Joe Allen told the Village of South Bloomfield Council on July 1 that House Bill 2 was signed and granted the village $1.5 million for the US‑23 project. Allen provided a procurement timeline: advertise for bids Aug. 22, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5; open bids Sept. 16 via a Teams meeting with Strand and Associates; award the contract Oct. 7; sign the contract by mid‑November; begin work in January 2025 with a significant completion date of July 1, 2025.

Allen also reported related utility and site updates. He said the new water plant is expected to be turned over sometime in July and that South Central Power has been delayed on the Day Farm electric installation but expects to finish by month‑end so the plant can start. Sewer flow‑equalization plans remain under review by the EPA. The street department will evaluate streets in July to prepare for an early‑2025 paving bid, with evaluation results expected by early August.

Allen said materials on the 6119 Water District, intended to address utility service for future development, were sent to council and he asked whether council agreed to move forward; the council voted unanimously in favor. Allen also reported that the Berger property on US‑23 was purchased but he was unable to find information about the buyer or their plans. He said he is exploring introductory signage for the village on US‑23 that could use any excess funds from the HB2 award.

The council did not record any dissent on the funding and schedule as presented. The next steps Allen outlined are the formal bid advertisements in late August and the Sept. 16 bid opening via Teams, followed by an Oct. 7 award and contract signing by mid‑November.