MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township will now be among many local governments to step away from county rule when dealing with Brownfield requests by creating its own Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

At the April 18 Township Board meeting, the Board unanimously voted to approve creating the local authority.

"This authority was brought up at the Economic Development Commission meeting and the members thought that it would be a great idea," said Trustee Phil Deschaine. "They said they look forward to any role the Township Board wants the EDC to play in this."

The new board will consist of someone with engineering experience, financial experience, legal experience, a Planning Commission member, Environmental Commission member and Economic Development Corporation member.

The board will not have any members until the Township Board takes recommendations from the other local boards and commissions.

Township Manager Frank Walsh said the board members won't be set in place until May 2, May 16, or until the Township Board moves on the recommendations they receive.