To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Patrick Linihan, Parks and Recreation Director
title
RE: Approval to accept a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund TF 23-0012, in the amount of $300,000.00, for the renovation of the historic pedestrian bridge in Richfield County Park
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Genesee County Parks and Recreation staff requests the approval to accept a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) in the amount of $300,000.00, for the renovation of the historic pedestrian bridge in Richfield County Park.
BACKGROUND:
The historic bridge was erected between 1936 and 1937 by the Work Progress Administration (WPA). Renovation is required to facilitate visitor accessibility and to ensure the preservation of historic structures. Over the years, the bridge has been exposed to excessive wear and deterioration. Loss of the bridge would not only reduce access to park amenities, opportunities and land, but also imply the destruction of a historic structure.
This structure is also a desirable venue for events and gatherings, attracting visitors to Genesee County from across the state. Visitors reserve the use of the bridge up to a year in advance for special events. Aside from becoming a premier wedding ceremony location, the historic pedestrian bridge’s established purpose is to serve as connection between the north and south portions of the park, crossing the Flint River. The bridge is crucial to the accessibility and operation of the park.
DISCUSSION:
The renovation of the bridge includes masonry towers repairs and rebuilds, stone steps reset and new handrails, replacement of wood entry posts, high performance paint system, cleaning and staining of wood surfaces, soil replacement and protection on the south end of the bridge, repairs to the tower steel columns, replacement of wood planks and railings, bridge hanging cable repairs, concrete abutment repairs, and protection of the concrete abutment, rip rap.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Funds to be deposited into account 2088-770.35-558.000.
Match of $106,000.00 provided by Parks fund.
NO USE OF GENERAL FUND.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Grant supports the preservation of historic structures and safety of visitors and allows the Department to provide exceptional service to all and value going above and beyond for our community.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Parks and Recreation Director to authorize accepting the grant award from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, in the amount of $300,000.00 to be deposited into account 2088-770.35-558.000, to fund the renovation of the historic pedestrian bridge at Richfield County Park, for the period commencing November 20, 2024, through October 31, 2026, with a required match amount of $106,000.00 to be provided by Parks funds, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the November 13, 2024 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board), the Chairperson is authorized to execute the Grant Agreement on behalf of Genesee County, and the Chief Financial Officer is directed, as necessary, to amend the budget lines associated with this project.