DRINKING & WASTEWATER SYSTEMS

FIVE YEAR PROJECT PLANS = $48 MILLION IN IMPROVEMENTS

As the City continues to focus on the improvement of water systems, five year project plans for drinking water and clean water (wastewater) have been developed that will result in an investment of approximately $48 million. 

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Project Plan identifies improvements to the Water Treatment Plant, the Distribution System, and projects related to aging infrastructure, water quality, and improved treatment of efficiency and electrical energy reduction. The total estimated cost of potential improvements is $20,261,500 over a 5 year period. 

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Project Plan identifies several of the sanitary sewer collection system projects that are needed to ensure the sanitary collection system and Wastewater Treatment Plant operate properly. Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) were also considered with the project plan. The total estimated cost of potential improvements is $28,734,260 over a 5 year period. 

At their August 15, 2022 meeting, the City Commission approved up to $8 million in bonds for year 1 in drinking and clean water project plans. The DWSRF Project Plan received approval for up to $3.5 million in bonds for the Boardman River Wall Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project. The CWSRF Project Plan received approval for up to $4.5 million in bonds for the Service Line Replacement Project.

The DWSRF and the CWSRF are being funded by State Revolving Fund (SRF) low-interest loans. It is anticipated that most of the funds will be reimbursed through grants from the state. 

The City Commission's 2022 adopted their Goals and Objectives identified water systems as a strategic priority with a goal to proactively and consistently maintain, conserve, and manage water and water systems to reduce harm to the systems themselves as well as public health and safety.

SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR ALLEYS

The City participates in the State of Michigan program, Act 51, which assists with the funding for repair and reconstruction on certain roads and streets. Additional street projects are funded through a number of sources, including the general operating millage. However, in most cases, alleys do not qualify to receive this funding source.

Residential alleys in need of improvements may be subject to a Special Improvement District (SID). An SID is where additional fees are collected from property owners in the specific area to fund improvements.

If seeking improvements, property owners may begin the SID process by seeking petition signatures for 50% or more of the property owners benefited from the improvement. If approved, once the work is completed, the property owners may pay the full assessment at once or be billed generally throughout a 10 year period.  

BEACH MONITORING AND

TESTING

The Environmental Health Division of the Grand Traverse County Health Department works closely with the City of Traverse City, Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, and the Traverse City State Park to ensure the health and safety of several public beaches in Grand Traverse County.

The Watershed Center administers grants from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to sample surface water from swim areas of the beaches. The water samples are analyzed for E. coli , a relatively harmless organism that may indicate the possible presence of harmful pathogenic microorganisms.

The Beach Monitoring Dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays. If any beaches report a "Level 2" or higher, those specific beaches will then be resampled. Resample results will be available and published 24 hours later.



HICKORY HILLS MASTER PLAN: PHASE 2

OPEN HOUSE: SEPTEMBER 21ST

Improvements to the Hickory Hills Recreation Area will build upon a four-seasons park for all to enjoy! 

In 2022, Phase 2 of the Hickory Hills Master Plan kicked off. Initial work will add snowmaking to the Nordic Trails in the woods area near the entrance, add snowmaking hydrants on Swede to improve snowmaking efficiency, and add a third booster pump to the snowmaking system. Work began this week on snowmaking improvements. In addition, a feasibility study is being conducted for designated trails, including mountain biking. 

Designated trail networks can decrease recreational conflicts. Mountain bike trails are designated for non-motorized bicycles equipped for off-road use. Trail use is still open to hikers, however, they are not the intended primary user group for whom the trail is designed to accommodate due to design to meet the requirements of mountain bikes and their riders, protect resources, and achieve a durable and maintainable trail.

A Hickory Hills Trail Network public survey launched in August 2022 seeking input on a conceptual trail network map. The survey will be available through August 31st.

Take the Survey

Open House: September 21st

An open house for the public will take place on September 21st, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, at the Hickory Hills Lodge. The public will have the opportunity to review maps showcasing trails and proposed phasing options, disc golf interaction, and project funding. 

The City Commission's 2022 adopted their Goals and Objectives identified connecting people with nature as a strategic priority with a goal to provide safe and accessible public spaces where people may recreate, socialize, or enjoy being alone in nature.

IN THE COMMUNITY

A dream come true! City leaders, past and present (and maybe future!), cut the official ribbon to celebrate the Boardman Lake Loop Trail!