Numerous utility upgrades and infrastructure improvements have supported Brownstown Township’s transition from a rural enclave into a thriving and diverse community. Wade Trim has served as the Township’s municipal engineer since 1953 designing and providing construction engineering on a vast array of paving, drainage, sanitary and stormwater collection, water transmission and recreation projects, as well as preparing facility plans and feasibility studies.
The Township’s unusual geography borders nine communities, the Huron River and Lake Erie. Interaction with neighboring communities can be complex but provides opportunities to develop solutions that are beneficial to all parties like the Woodruff Road Bike Path. An integral part of the Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative, this 1.5-mile, non-motorized trail involved three communities, the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Park Authority, Gibraltar School District, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, a wetland bank, two railroads and several utilities.
Working with the Township and Wayne County to assess the needs and priorities of hundreds of miles of roads within the community, several older subdivisions with gravel roads were paved by Special Assessments and contributions by the Township and Wayne County. Wade Trim provided design and construction services on these projects, which have been well received by residents. Wade Trim has also facilitated communications with MDOT regarding pavement and operational conditions of the portion of trunkline within the community.
The Township’s growth has been managed through the use of a Sanitary Sewer Master Plan that was developed by Wade Trim. The water system is reviewed periodically and improvements are scheduled as the system approaches the end of its service life. Proactive management of the water system has allowed the Township to replace or rehabilitate several miles of the system annually, focusing on areas that experienced frequent breaks and other issues.
Wade Trim also provides as-needed maintenance and electrical work including troubleshooting and repair of facilities. Improvements include meters, pumps and level monitoring equipment installation at storm and sanitary system pump stations. In addition, a condition assessment was performed and a Capital Improvement Program developed for 12 sanitary pumping stations in the wastewater collection system.
