OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Citizens are continuing to voice concern over the costs of a sewer project in Oshtemo Township.
The sewer extension project is meant to take several citizens off of septic tank systems and onto the main sewer line. Phase one is expected to begin this Spring.
The project is estimated to cost around $28 million in total, with the first phase being funded by a 40-year $8.3 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The average cost is estimated at $11,000 per home, and some citizens may have to pay additional costs for connections.
In total, around 900 homes are expected to be affected by the project.
Due to the concerns of costs in the project, township officials are currently working on a financial hardship plan to help with the price.
An updated draft of the plan was presented during a meeting on Tuesday, February 25. In order to qualify, individual residents must show they are unable to get help from state programs.
However, full qualification requirements have not been finalized at this time. It is also unknown how citizen financial aid will affect the finances of the Township.
Some citizens are upset at the prospect of being forced to switch to the main sewer line when some are using a working septic tank system. Others cite the lack of communication from the board on the project altogether.
Citizens will have another chance to discuss the project with the board next month. Both a work session and board meeting are scheduled at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.
