2/27/13 - A sewer project completion approved last night by Handy Township could theoretically take a big bite out of the townshipâs substantial sewer debt. The West Grand River project was originally conceived to provide sewer service to more than 250 residential units that were to be developed in the township. The contractor hired to do the project ran into technical problems while trying to cross Nicholson Road and Grand River and stopped construction. The owner planning to develop the property sued the township for breaking their deal by not completing the sewer, and the county sued the contractor. A second company was hired to finish the project, but then refused to do so because of the court cases and is now involved in litigation as well. Meanwhile, the county has been providing funding to the township to pay for the special assessment district bonds that would have been paid for through the sewer hookups. Last night the Handy Township board voted to stop taking these payments, which must be repaid with interest, and pay the bonds itself. Supervisor Hank Vaupel tells WHMI the board also voted to approve a project paid for by the county to complete the sewer. He says the township has a contractual obligation to finish the project. He says the project should be finished this summer, and if the property owner completes the development it will eliminate almost half of the townshipâs delinquent REUâs. (TD)
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