MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Daniels Drain Improvement Project was approved by the Meridian Tonwship Board at the Feb. 2 meeting.

There were presentations and special meetings since last September regarding this project and potential funding of this project. After a lot of discussion, the Board finally decided to approve this project.

However, some members still showed some concerns about the potential cost of this project, which is estimation of $2 million. Trustee John Veenstra said that the costs that are assigned to the property owners vary around $1,000 to $2,000, which is too high. Assistant Township Manager/Director of Public Works & Engineering Derek Perry stated that the cost can be reduced as more detail investigation, design, engineering and ultimate construction occurs.

"Cost is going to be assigned to the property owners based on the benefits derived which is the part of the formula Drain Commission uses, then we want to make sure that everybody is getting something for what they are paying for," said Brett Dreyfus, Clerk of Meridian Township.

He also mentioned that the homeowners in the subdivisions will need to pay the least amount because they will have least amount of impact, but the ponds and other properties that are involved more directly in the run-off will have to pay greater amount because they are going to derive greater benefit.

The Township Board voted 7 to 0 approving the project, and the next step is to formally Petition the Ingham County Drain Commissioner.