ROSCOMMON– Roscommon village has received the 2023 Wastewater Utility of the Year award from the Michigan Rural Water Association. Ron Alden (Village Manager) stated the filtration system is the only one of its kind in the state. Unlike most wastewater systems, the Roscommon system filters through wetlands. Once the filtered water reaches the creek or river, it is cleaner than the water it is flowing into. While most of the water lines have been replaced in the past few years, there are still some galvanized connections that need replacing with copper. Many of the old lines in town were made of wood.
The water and sewer updates are 95-96% completed and both came in under budget. An Open House at the lagoon is planned for later this summer. This has been a $12 million dollar USDA project, accomplished, between grants and a very low interest loan of 1.375%.
Chase Bank has been sold and plans are in the works for public restrooms, a local business office, and shops. Alden stated that the village is working with the new owners to establish additional “public” parking at the rear of the building.
“Match on Main” grants have been awarded through Roscommon Redevelopment Certification to Gardners Jewelry for upgrades to their building, and a $25,000 grant was awarded to Roscommon Laundry for their proposed 16’x20′ expansion. To date, $15 million in grants have been awarded within the past five years. Several businesses in Roscommon have also received grants toward painting and signage. Dan Scow maintains RRC, and the village is only one of six in the state able to compete for RRC grants. Scow and Jim Perialas assist local businesses in applying for the annual grants.
The Sesquicentennial Celebration is morphing into an Octoberfest, Oct. 14. The celebration last year was so well received that it was decided to make this an annual event. Plans are in the works to add more food and other vendors.
Road paving and more sidewalks are in the planning stages, primarily Tisdale Trail, Ester Court, Depot Drive, and sidewalks along 4th Street.
For more information and updates, the next “Morning with the Manager” is the third Thurs. of May at 9 a.m.
