The Big Rapids City Commission got an update this week on possible funding the city could receive from damages occurred from flooding and heavy thunderstorms back on May 11.

Big Rapids DPS Deputy Director Steve Schroeder told commissioners since the city/county declared a 'State of Emergency' and Governor Whitmer granted the emergency declaration, the City of Big Rapids will be eligible for up to $250,000 in disaster funding through Section 19 Emergency Management Act.

 

The funding amount is based on population size and percentage from the city budget.

Public Works Director Heather Bowman said they have $45,545 worth of items/repairs that are covered through their insurance. She told the commission, there are over $130,000 worth of items/repairs that have been submitted to the state for consideration.

However, Bowman says the city has not submitted the overtime accrued by DPW during the event, so should Big Rapids come below estimated costs, they could still get full reimbursement.

She says it's a work in progress at this point.

Mayor Fred Guenther expressed his concern about the lack of adequate fencing around the sink hole at Hemlock Street with school about to start up in a few weeks.

“If this process is going to take 60-90 more days then we need to have adequate fencing around that area.” “We don't need to have a child fall into the sink hole and get injured, then we have a bigger issue,” Guenther said.

Bowman told Guenther they will address the fencing issue with the sink hole.

Commissioner Karen Simmon echoed the mayor saying she's concerned with people turning down Hemlock Street and using the alleyway trying to acclimate to school and new routes.

Bowman told commissioners, the city will be in communication with Big Rapids Middle School leading up to the first day of classes.