Grand Haven, Mich. — A multi-million-dollar reconstruction project is set to transform a key section of Grand Haven. The city is preparing for a comprehensive overhaul of Fulton Street, spanning from 1st to 5th Street, with work expected to begin in late spring or early summer and be completed before the end of the year.
Assistant City Manager Dana Kollewehr confirmed that the nearly $3 million project is long overdue, with discussions about the improvements starting back in 2018. After years of planning and securing funding, the upgrades are now becoming a reality. The project will address several critical infrastructure issues, including the replacement of outdated water mains, fire hydrants, sidewalks, and parkways.
“This full-scale reconstruction project is something we have needed for many years. It’s been in the works for a while,” Kollewehr said. “We are upgrading our infrastructure to meet the current and future needs of the community.”
One of the key drivers behind the project is the outdated water system that was highlighted during a January fire in the area. At the time, firefighters struggled with water pressure and had to rely on water trucks to sustain the fire response. While the fire itself did not directly trigger the reconstruction plans, Kollewehr noted that the timing of the upgrades aligns perfectly with the need to improve fire safety systems.
“The water service that we had available at the time was not ideal,” Kollewehr explained. “Fortunately, this project will update the very infrastructure necessary to fight fires and protect our community.”
The water pipes currently in place date back to the 1960s. Although they have passed inspection and functioned properly, they do not meet the standards needed for modern-day demands. For residents like Dareen Breen, who witnessed the fire firsthand, the upgrades are a welcome change.
“Water trucks had to go back and forth to maintain the water levels needed to fight the fire,” Breen said. “It definitely shows that a new water system is a good idea.”
Local residents have expressed excitement over the planned improvements. Breen, in particular, is looking forward to the new waterlines, fire hydrants, and roads. “It’s great. New waterlines, new fire hydrants, new roads—this is a pretty crummy road. There really is no downside,” he said.
However, some neighbors, like Susan Silvis, have voiced concerns about potential disruptions during construction. “We already have parking issues, especially in the summer with the increased activity in the area,” Silvis said. “But it’s a small inconvenience to have what we need. We will all get through it.”
Kollewehr acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that the city is committed to minimizing disruptions during the reconstruction. She reassured residents that the project would be completed as efficiently as possible, ensuring the long-term safety and functionality of the city’s infrastructure.
With work slated to begin in the coming months, Grand Haven residents can look forward to a significantly upgraded infrastructure that will serve the community for years to come.
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