County Backs Bond for Ann Arbor Drain Project

Funding for a drain project along Miller Avenue in Ann Arbor – in the Allen Creek drainage district – took a step toward being backed by Washtenaw County’s full faith and credit, following initial approval at the county board’s Feb. 6, 2013 meeting. A final vote is expected on Feb. 20.

The backing is for up to $1.58 million in bonds for the project, which will repaid through a special assessment against the city of Ann Arbor. The project is being handled by the office of the Washtenaw County water resources commissioner, led by Evan Pratt. It’s the first project brought forward by Pratt, who took office in January. Pratt attended the Feb. 6 meeting but did not formally address the board.

According to a staff memo, the funds will be used “to clean out, widen, deepen, straighten, tile, extend, or relocate along a highway, construct branches, relief drains, or connections to the Miller Avenue portion of the Allen Creek Drain to reduce downstream flooding and improve water quality to increase the public health benefit.”

This brief was filed from the boardroom of the county administration building, 220 N. Main St. in Ann Arbor. A more detailed report will follow: [link]