Township Approves Kent County Payback Agreement for Rogue River Pedestrian Bridge
The Plainfield Township Board has approved a payback agreement with Kent County, which will reimburse the township up to $999,000 for the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Rogue River. The bridge is part of the South Rogue River Trail and will connect to the regional Grand River Greenway trail system. Under the agreement, the township manages the construction and pays the costs upfront.
Current status Approved
The Township Board approved the payback agreement as part of the consent agenda on May 11, 2026, by a 6-0 vote.
Minutes record: I move to approve the Agenda including the Consent Agenda and Accounts Payable. Motion by Jack Hagedorn Second by Kathey Batey Roll Call: Ayes: Reminga, Coleman, Batey, Hagedorn, McKellar, Morrow Nays: 0 Motion approved
What this is Township Approves Kent County Payback Agreement for Rogue River Pedestrian Bridge
Timeline
- Agenda posted from agenda · published May 7, 2026
- Agenda posted from agenda · published May 11, 2026
- Approved Final from minutes · published Jun 10, 2026
Key facts
- On May 11, 2026, the Township Board approved the payback agreement with Kent County.
- The agreement provides for Kent County to reimburse the township up to $999,000 for costs related to a new pedestrian bridge and other trail improvements.
- The bridge is part of the township's South Rogue River Trail (SRRT) and serves as a vital link in the county's broader Grand River Greenway trail project.
- The township is responsible for managing all project contracts and construction, and will own the bridge when it is finished.
- The deadline for the township to incur and pay all reimbursable expenses is October 31, 2026.
Discretion or exceptions
- Kent County can request additional documentation to verify costs before issuing a reimbursement.
- The County is not obligated to reimburse any costs that exceed the $999,000 cap or are incurred after the October 31, 2026 deadline.
Who could be affected
- Residents who use the South Rogue River Trail, White Pine Trail, and connected regional trail networks.
What could change
- Kent County will reimburse the township for up to $999,000 in project costs, including bridge design, construction, engineering, permitting, landscaping, and fencing.
- The township is responsible for managing all aspects of the project, including hiring contractors, ensuring legal compliance, and paying costs upfront.
- The new pedestrian bridge and its related improvements will become township property once completed.
- To be reimbursed, the township must pay for all project expenses by October 31, 2026, and submit itemized invoices to the county.
What to watch
- What is the final construction timeline and total projected cost for the bridge and trail improvements?
- How will the township cover any costs that might exceed the $999,000 reimbursement from the county?
Supporting records
These related records help explain the item, including the agenda listing, staff explanation, and draft text.
Read excerpt
Approve the payback agreement between the township and Kent County for the Rogue River bridge project funding
Read excerpt
AGREEMENT BETWEEN PLAINFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP AND KENT COUNTY FOR ROGUE RIVER BRIDGE PROJECT FUNDING This Agreement ('Agreement') is entered into by and between the County of Kent, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 ('County'), and Plainfield Charter Township, 6161 Belmont Ave NE, Belmont, Michigan 49306 ('Township').
Read excerpt
MEMO TO: Cameron Van Wyngarden, Township Superintendent FROM: Bill Fischer, Community Development Director DATE: May 6, 2026 RE: Payback Agreement - Rogue River Bridge Project This is a request for the Township Board to approve a payback agreement between the township and Kent County for the Rogue River bridge project funding. In July of last year, the Township Board awarded a contract to Dan's Excavating Services t…
Read excerpt
Recitals WHEREAS, the Township is undertaking a pathway improvement project which includes the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the over the Rogue River on the south side of Rogue River Road (the 'Bridge'); WHEREAS, the Bridge is intended to be a 10-foot-wide separated, prefabricated steel pedestrian bridge constructed as part of the Township's pathway improvement project; and WHEREAS, the County wishes to c…
Read excerpt
Section 1: Township Responsibilities 1.1 The Township shall be solely responsible for: Procuring and managing all professional service contracts for the design and construction of the Bridge and Project Improvements; Engaging and managing all contractors, engineers, and consultants; Obtaining all necessary permits, including those from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for floodp…
Read excerpt
Section 2: County Responsibilities 2.1 The County agrees to reimburse the Township for eligible costs related to the Bridge and Project Improvements as outlined in Section 3. 2.2 The County shall not be responsible for: Any aspect of project management, contract administration, contractor oversight, insurance, or construction supervision; Execution of contracts with consultants, contractors, or vendors; Coordination…
Read excerpt
Section 3: Costs and Reimbursement Almort to tha Marmatin 3.1 The County agrees to reimburse the Township for actual, documented costs directly related to the construction of the Bridge and Project Improvements up to a maximum total of Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine Thousand Dollars ($999,000.00). 3.2 Eligible reimbursable expenses include, but are not limited to: Bridge Design Engineering (e.g., bridge design coordinatio…
Read excerpt
Section 5: Miscellaneous 5.1 The Township shall indemnify and hold harmless the County, its officials, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from or related to the Bridge or Project Improvements or any act or omission of the Township, its contractors, or consultants. 5.2 The Township and County are independent governmental entities. Nothing in this Agreement creates any partnership,…
Meeting history
Agenda and minutes records showing when this item appeared and what procedural step it reached over time.
Read excerpt
The item appeared on the Board of Trustees Meeting agenda: Approve the payback agreement between the township and Kent County for the Rogue River bridge project funding Approve the payback agreement between the township and Kent County for the Rogue River bridge project funding
Accuracy note
Civic Desk summarizes public records to make local issues easier to follow. Mistakes, omissions, or outdated details are possible, especially when an issue is still moving through meetings. Before relying on an item for an important decision, verify the details in the linked source documents or with the township directly.