The Big Rapids City Commission is moving ahead with repairing the Hemlock Street culvert that was damaged back in May of 2022 due to flooding and heavy thunderstorms.

 

On Monday, the commission accepted a proposal from engineering firm Fleis and VandenBrink for the culvert design plans. The cost will be $18,800.

 

Following the storm, it was determined by the State of Michigan Emergency Management funding would be available to the City in the amount of $250,000.

 

In a position paper, Public Works Director Heather Bowman wrote to the commission, "Fleis and VandenBrink had developed a long term repair to the culvert to reinforce the concrete and restore the slope. The proposal will assist staff with survey, design, permitting, and bidding."

 

Work on the damaged culvert is planned for this summer.