IRON RIVER—Funding from the federal government through both the Federal Highway Administration and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus), will enable the Iron County Road Commission to put work into several primary roads this year.

ICRC Superintendent Doug Tomasoski reported to the board at its March 10 regular meeting that the road agency should be receiving about $500,000 in FHWA money, which will be used first on County Road 651 (Sunset Lake Road), and County Road 643 (Bates-Amasa Road). An as-yet unknown amount of ARRA funding should also be available later this year.

“We’ll use federal aid first, then stimulus money,” Tomasoski said. “I’ll have the bid documents in by the end of the month.”

“It should be a win-win situation,” added Commissioner Carl Sholander, “if we have our bids ready.”

MDOT passed on a request by the Road Commission to consider turning County Road 643 into a state trunkline, Tomasoski told the board.

“The biggest issue was monetary,” he said.

“I’d like to see a response made, giving more specifics and some good valid reasons for our request,” said Sholander.

Bates Township Supervisor Grant Helgemo said many of the residents “are not happy about it,” saying they worried about the increased speed on the road if it is made a state route.

“Well, then, let them come and yell at me, since I think it’s a great idea,” Sholander said.

A request for delaying construction of the County Road 424 bypass project through the Village of Alpha was made once more, by resident Stu Creel on behalf of the village. He said village officials are working with economic developer Julie Melchiori to look into funding for improving the traffic circle, where the majority of businesses are located.

Commissioner Ernie Schmidt moved to delay the project—“they’re just asking for one more year,” he said. The motion received no second.

The board is looking for input from the townships as to how to use the millage that it will start receiving in 2010.

“Your input as township supervisors is appreciated,” said Sholander. Commissioner Dan Germic proposed some of the millage money be used to purchase brine spreaders for the plow trucks.

“This is something everyone can see,” Germic said. Liquid chloride flows onto the salt, making the salt stick to the road and allows the salt to work faster, and at a lower temperature. Tomasoski noted that MDOT is not pushing its use.

“Should the road commission finance this for MDOT?” he asked the board. “Are we funding their efficiency?”

in other business:

--Approval was given to Tomasoski to advertise for construction materials, including culverts, chip and crack sealing materials.

--Tomasoski reported that recent work activity by road crews included 63 percent on snow removal, 25 percent in the shop and 10 percent brushing. He said that road restrictions would probably be put on shortly.

--Sholander told the board he had information about a health insurance plan that would, by raising the deductible, save the ICRC a considerable amount of money. The plan would not change benefits for the employees. Tomasoski said he would present it to the union for its consideration.

--A request from an Iron River Township resident to plow her driveway was discussed. The road board’s policy is not to plow any private drives.