Spring Lake replacing aging subterranean infrastructure

The village of Spring Lake is nearing the end of a multi-year infrastructure update. In most cases, the underground water and sewer lines being replaced are more than 80 years old. 

The work began in 2023 and workers will complete the first five projects next year.

Certain segments were of a higher priority based on age and condition of the infrastructure. The village developed an infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan that evaluated, prioritized, and rated each segment of infrastructure. Discussion is ongoing as to when and what projects will be initiated beyond 2025.

Communication

“Communication is key when you are disrupting neighborhoods for three to five months at a time,” Spring Lake Department of Public Works Director Wally Delamater says. “Years ago, continuous project updates would not have been possible. We now have the technology to provide continuous information and project status updates to those residents impacted by the project. Well informed citizens tend to have healthy dispositions when enduring these projects.”

The reaction from the public has been positive thus far, officials say. People are always happy when a project is complete, Delamater says.

The first round of projects cost about $6.8 million and is being funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture loan. Residents are paying part of the bill through increased sewer and water rates, officials say.

“We are in the initial stages of discussing how to move forward with the remaining projects,” Village Manager Brady Selner says.