Now that money for preliminary engineering has been secured, the next hurdle will be actually coming up with money for construction costs for the $25 million widening of Baldwin Road.
Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk announced recently that $500,000 in federal funds had been secured by U.S. Representative Mike Rogers for preliminary engineering for the Baldwin Road widening.
The widening is planned between Morgan and Waldon Roads, and could still be a long way off, according to the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC).
‘There’s no construction money identified at this point,? said Craig Bryson, RCOC public information officer. ‘The engineering will be done over the next year or two, and that will put us in a better position when we do get that money (for construction).?
Bryson said the money for Baldwin Road was one of seven federal grants the RCOC received this year.
‘It’s for $500,000, and there is a 80-20 split with the federal funding,? he said. ‘So the road commission and the township will each put in 10 percent.?
Asked if the RCOC had that money for the 10 percent match, Bryson said ‘We will find it.?
The Baldwin project is planned to be a four-lane boulevard, ‘subject to community approval,? Bryson said.
‘There’s some concern about what to do with the Gingellville area,? he said. ‘Getting the right-of-ways could also be an issue.?
Bryson said as plans are made, the RCOC will hold public hearings in Orion Township.
‘That will come in the next year or two,? he said.