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Athens Township board backs grant-backed dam removals and State-funded culvert work on M-66
Summary
The board heard updates that the State will fund a culvert under M-66 and that a grant-supported project to remove small dams — backed by an $8,000 Community Foundation contribution and $250 township match — is intended to restore fish passage along the river.
Athens Township officials on Jan. 6 heard progress reports on local road and waterway projects, including State-funded culvert work on M-66 and a grant-funded dam-removal effort intended to restore fish passage.
Cory from the road commission told the board contingency funding does not need immediate action as project timing is still being finalized. Tommy Miller and Randy Ramsey said they are working to obtain right-of-way maps and leases and are coordinating with the State on a culvert under M-66; the State will pay for the culvert and piping, and the likely tube alignment would place the pipe on the east side of the village down toward W Drive South.
Board members also discussed drainage connections to the Sherwood intercounty drain as part of the broader roadwork. Separately, officials described a dam-removal grant that, if executed, would take out several small dams along the river to create an unbroken route for migrating fish. The Community Foundation has pledged $8,000 toward the project; the grant requires a $250 match from both the township and the village, the board was told.
The updates came as project leads said they are still assembling documentation such as right-of-way maps and leases and are coordinating next steps with State agencies. The board did not take a formal vote to authorize construction spending at the meeting; presenters indicated State funding and outside grant support as the key near-term finance sources.
