By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
CUSTER — Construction on a new chemical storage facility for the Mason County Road Commission is underway with the facility expected to be completed by Sept. 30. The building is located on a 90-acre site in the 1900 block of East US 10 on the west side of the village. It is the first phase of a plan to move all of the road commission facilities to that location.
The 28,000 square foot building, 100 feet by 280 feet, is being constructed at a cost of $2.5 million with 67% of the cost being paid by Michigan Department of Transportation and the remainder by the Mason County Road Commission.
The road commission is funded independently from the county’s budget and is governed by a three person board appointed by the Mason County Board of Commissioners. Most of its funding is received through state and federal funding, along with funds from municipalities.
The new building replaces the existing facility, located on Bean Road in Custer Township, which was built in 1993. That building was also funded through a 67%-33% split with the state. Like the existing facility, the road commission is under agreement with the state for 20 years. Following that, the county owns the facility outright.
According Steve Wessels, general manager of the MCRC, the new building is designed to hold a variety of materials including liquids, such as brine, along with salt and sand. Presently, sand is stored outside, which creates an issue with moisture.
Planning for the facility began three years ago, Wessels said, prior to his hiring.
“This is a much needed facility that will help make our agency more efficient,” Wessels said. “It’s designed to keep materials dry, which saves us money. Additionally, with the state covering 67% of the costs, the residents of Mason County have a huge cost savings.”
Wessels said the construction of the building also helps offset future costs when the road commission builds a new office and garage, replacing the present 84-year-old facility on State Street (US 10) in Scottville.
“We were able to take care of some of the grading with the preparation of this facility, which will save expenses for future construction.”
Wessels said there are no immediate plans for the next phase due to the need to raise funding. He said it’s possible construction may begin within the next couple of years.
The Mason County Road Commission oversees 237 miles of county roads, 716 miles of local roads, and 39 bridges. It also works in partnership with MDOT, maintaining the three state highways that run through Mason County: US 10, US 31, and M 116.
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