Construction ribbon cutting opens road 11-9-15
Joseph V. Sowmick - November 10, 2015
In an effort to provide bonus coverage, On Nov. 9 Team Observer joins with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council and the SCIT Planning Department as they held a ribbon cutting on the corner of Remus and Leaton Road in Mt. Pleasant to officially reopen the reservation road to traffic. The extensive construction project was initially planned for mid-July and began shortly thereafter. The projects included new culverts for Onion Creek near Yah Bay Estates and Tomah Road and a complete resurfacing of Leaton Road.
SCIT Public Relations Director Frank Cloutier informs the Tribe provided 2% grants in the amount of $236,000 for the fall 2012 distribution, spring 2013 distribution in the amount of $235,000, spring 2014 distribution in the amount of $244,000 and spring 2015 distribution in the amount of $276,000. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Transportation Program provided $25,000 in design and $1,085,000 in construction for a total of $1,110,000. Isabella County Road Commission was the project manager overseeing the work of DJ McQuestion and Sons Inc. The Onion Creek crossing was constructed by Wonsey Tree Service under the direction of the Isabella County Drain Commission.
“This project is proof that collaboration, time and patience wins the day on larger projects throughout our community,” Tribal Sub-Chief Lorna Kahgegab Call said. “The Tribal Council looks forward to developing more projects like this to help the community in the future.” Tribal Chief Steve Pego and fellow Council members personally thanked the workers and recognized residents and employees of the Tribe for their patience during the construction.
SCIT Community Engineer Donald Seal and Prein & Newhof Construction Coordinator Bob Ouwinga kept the community informed every step of the way and ensured safety of workers and residents was their top priority. “The permanent signs are scheduled to be placed in the morning of Nov. 10,” Seal said. “After that, all barricades and barrels will be removed and the road will be completely open that afternoon.”
A full story will be featured in the December issue of the Tribal Observer.