Van Buren Township has undertaken major improvements in all areas of its infrastructure to enhance quality of life for residents and encourage economic development. Wade Trim served as the Township’s Engineer of Record from 2001 to 2017, planning, designing, providing construction engineering services and assisting the Township in securing funding for numerous projects.
Public safety was bolstered by recent road and water improvements. The Ecorse Road Reconstruction project, undertaken in conjunction with the Van Buren Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Wayne County, addressed safety and drainage deficiencies in a high traffic intersection. A boulevard was reconstructed on Ecorse Road along with service roadway and sanitary sewer and water main upgrades to encourage future development. After preparing the Township’s Water Master Plan, major water system improvements were completed including five miles of new water main and a 2-million-gallon elevated storage tank to address capacity and flow issues. The improvements have enabled the Township to lower their Detroit water cost, supply community demand, maintain pressure and eliminate the potential for groundwater contamination of the municipal drinking water system during an emergency.
Wade Trim has assisted the Township in securing grant funding for numerous projects including three FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant projects, two Rouge Program Office grants, and Federal transportation funds. State revolving funds have provided low interest loans for more than $20 million in projects including the water tower that qualified for 40% principle forgiveness. We also helped the Township identify projects to apply for MDEQ’s Storm Water, Asset Management and Wastewater (SAW) grants.
Numerous sanitary sewer improvements have been designed and the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan has been updated. The Sanitary Sewer Master Plan works in conjunction with the Master Land Use Plan to establish trunk sewer alignments and capacities to accommodate future development. An equalization basin was added to the sanitary system to protect residents from basement flooding while maintaining compliance with sewer flow contracts in three different sewer systems. The Township is currently working on a program to rehabilitate or replace its sanitary pump stations.
Survey, design and construction administration was provided for Riggs Park that included a park and trail system, parking lot, pavilion area and bioswale retention system for stormwater runoff. Sustainable features were incorporated into the design. We have also been working with the Township to secure grant funding through the Community Foundation, MDNR and MDOT, for design and construction of a non-motorized trail that will link significant park and open space features in the community with the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Park system.
Wade Trim has assisted the Township in reviewing and approving developments ranging from small residential plats to the World Headquarters for the Visteon Corporation. We work with developers to make sure Township standards are met and appropriate accommodations are made for extending municipal utilities to new developments. Services include site plan review, construction plan review, easement and record plan review and field inspection of all Township improvements.
