To show how serious they are about getting Baldwin Road widened to five lanes, Orion Township trustees recently agreed to restrict $3.2 million in township funds to go towards the project.
The board also adopted a resolution of support for widening Baldwin. At a recent Orion Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, Brett Bair, managing director of the Road Commission for Oakland County, said there were currently no funds available for the project, and the possibility of getting federal funds this year looked slim.
Trustee Richard Tomczak suggested the board restrict $3.2 million, the township’s 10 percent of the project cost, now, saying that generally the township relies on congressmen and senators for such project funds.
‘If they did get the money, and we didn’t have this available…this way, we’ll be prepared,? he said.
The 10 percent contribution from the township would be required by state and federal law. Tomczak said this way, when and if the project comes up, residents won’t be charged extra.
‘We’ve done the job they elected us to do, and that’s be ready,? he added..
Treasurer Jim Marleau said the board should inform state and federal officials the township was prepared.
‘We can ask them to kindly do their job and get us the rest…I know it’s tough times, but there are work projects (federally funded), and this could be one of them,? he added.
According to supervisor Jerry Dywasuk, the township currently has $8 million ‘in the bank? and $4.2 million in the capital improvement fund. The board voted to restrict the $3.2 million for widening from the general capital improvement fund.
‘We haven’t even got the initial appropriation (from the federal government),? said Dywasuk. ‘I checked with Mike Rogers…there’s nothing happening.
‘We’re not even sure we’re going to get anything yet. And we’re tying up 75 percent of our capital improvement fund and the next two administrations.?
Trustee Michael Gingell believes the board could always unrestrict the funds if they were needed for something else.
‘By restricting it, it says we are committing this money to this project, and hope it happens,? he added.
Trustee Wil Wilsher said it would also send a message to citizens living on the west side of the township near Baldwin Road.
‘It shows them we’re dead serious about this,? he added..