The city of Ferrysburg is figuring out a new approach to the aging Smith's Bridge after finding out that federal funding previously allocated will have to be returned.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has included funds for the replacement of Smith’s Bridge in her proposed state budget, part of more than $300 million requested for 120 bridges in Michigan.
While Ferrysburg officials are hopeful that will happen, they aren’t holding their collective breath and have authorized a grant request to be made for repair funds for the year 2024.
The proposed state budget sets aside $9,579,598.60 for the Ferrysburg bridge.
The governor included funds for bridge replacement in her previous year’s budget, but those were removed before the budget was approved.
Ferrysburg City Manager Craig Bessinger said he is still trying to get details about what that amount includes.