Title
Resolution to Submit Funding Applications Under the FY 2028 Local Bridge Program to Perform Preventative Maintenance on Three City Bridges
Memorandum
The attached resolution is a supporting document for the FY2028 Local Bridge Program funding applications being prepared for submission to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Application packets have been prepared for three bridges within the City that require preventative maintenance to keep them in good condition and maximize the service life of our bridge assets. The three bridges for which we are requesting funding are
• Fuller Road Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad
• Maiden Lane Bridge over the Huron River
• Eisenhower Bridge over Ann Arbor Railroad
The Local Bridge Program is funded with State and Federal funds. The program pays 95% of a project’s eligible construction costs. The local authority is required to fund the remaining at a minimum 5% of the construction cost as well as 100% of the design, construction engineering, and testing. Given that there is a higher probability to be awarded funding with a higher match, staff is proposing to commit to funding 10% of the construction costs. Presently, the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) shows these projects as being funded fully by the City, therefore any amount of additional funding received through this grant program would be beneficial.
The deadline for delivery of the Local Bridge Program funding applications is April 1, 2025. Approval of this resolution does not obligate the City to expend any funds at this time. This resolution authorizes the City to submit applications for Local Bridge Program funding with the intent to commit the necessary funds for design, construction engineering, testing, and the 10% match for construction cost should any of our bridges be chosen for funding.
Currently, the anticipated scope of preventative maintenance work that is planned for Eisenhower Bridge is replacing expansion joints, beam end repairs, and substructure concrete patching; for Maiden Bridge its concrete deck repairs and structural steel painting and for Fuller Bridge its structural steel painting. The above referenced scope of work has been drawn from the bridge inspections that have been performed in 2023 and 2024.
Although these applications are due April 1, 2025, the review process is lengthy. The status of funding will not be determined until early 2026.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, As a part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Program, State and Federal funds will be available to maintain or replace bridges approved by the Local Bridge Program’s Advisory Committee;
Whereas, The City owns three bridges that may qualify for State funding, including: the Fuller Road Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad, the Maiden Lane Bridge over the Huron River, and the Eisenhower Bridge over the Ann Arbor Railroad;
Whereas, Funding under the Local Bridge Program provides for 90% of the relevant construction costs for each bridge; and
Whereas, It will be the City’s responsibility to pay for all design, construction engineering, and testing costs;
RESOLVED, That the City Council authorize the City Administrator to submit the applications for State funds available through the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Program for the needed preventative maintenance of the structures and that if one or more of these structures are chosen for funding, that the necessary funds be committed for the City’s share of the design, construction engineering, testing, and the 10% match for construction costs for these structures; and
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution shall be included with the Local Bridge Program funding applications and be forwarded to the appropriate Michigan Department of Transportation personnel for their review and consideration.