Mount Clemens commits roughly $1.18 million in local funds for Crocker Bridge grant application

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted June 1 to submit an application to the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Program for the Crocker Bridge and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute the required resolution and documents.

City staff presented the application and said the commission would commit an estimated $1,184,000 in local funds for payment of design, engineering and 5% of construction costs if the project receives state or federal funding. City staff said final construction timing would likely be in 2022 or later if the project is funded.

Jeff Woods, who presented the staff report, said the city has applied for the grant regularly and that demand outstrips available funds: “I’ve been applying for this grant on a pretty regular basis since 2004,” he said, noting limited program dollars and that the city’s chances increase the worse the bridge’s condition is on MDOT’s list.

A commissioner asked whether nearby Dickinson Bridge—rehabbed in 2006—could handle traffic diverted while Crocker Bridge is out. Woods replied that Dickinson Bridge is in much better shape after its prior rehabilitation and should be able to handle diverted traffic.

The motion to participate in the Local Bridge Program and to submit the certified resolution passed on roll call. The commission also authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute necessary documents and submit a certified copy of the resolution with the application.

Next steps: staff will finalize the application package and submit it to MDOT; if the project is selected, the local-funding commitment described in the resolution will be required as the project moves into design and construction.