Accolades

West Bloomfield Township Water & Sewer Utilities Department Receives Michigan Premier Utility Management Performance (PUMP) Award

DLZ congratulates the West Bloomfield Township Water & Sewer Utilities Department for recently receiving the Michigan PUMP Award for the design and installation of Lift Stations #1 and #3, which included a Rotomix system, drum scrubbers, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) to eliminate residential and business sewage backups and odors caused by gas release. To date, the Township has received very positive feedback from the project.

William Bohlen, Director of the Bay County Department of Water and Sewer Appointed to the Water Asset Management Council

William (Bill) Bohlen, Bay County Department of Water and Sewer Director, has been recently appointed, by the Michigan Infrastructure Council, to serve on the Water Asset Management Council (WMAC) for the term ending December 31, 2025. The WAMC was created to lead, guide, and assist communities in the development and/or enhancement of their drinking water, wastewater, and storm water asset management programs. Well deserved, Bill!

DLZ Contact: Laura Gruzwalski

US-23 Connector between I-75 and M-13 in Arenac County

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently completed construction on the US-23 Connector between I-75 and M-13 in Arenac County, Michigan. This rehabilitation and interchange reconstruction was designed by DLZ to extend the life of the existing pavement, improve safety, and increase operational efficiencies of the US-23 Connector/M-13 interchange.

The project eliminated the US-23 Connector Bridge over M-13 and replaced it with a new at-grade roundabout. The road rehabilitation design included concrete pavement repairs, an asphalt stabilized crack relief layer, and two-course Hot Mix Asphalt overlay.  There were also eight bridges and one culvert rehabilitated along both US-23 and I-75 included with this project that was designed by MDOT.  Due to the impacts on the local community during construction and the interchange reconfiguration, DLZ worked with MDOT to inform the public through informational meetings and a public open house prior to construction.

DLZ appreciates the opportunity to work with the MDOT Bay City Transportation Service Center and the MDOT Bridge Design Units to deliver another successful project for the State of Michigan.

DLZ Contact: David Hoeh, P.E.

Michigan Spark Grant

The Michigan Spark Grant is a new $65 Million grant program aimed at helping local communities that want to create, renovate, or redevelop public recreation opportunities. Made possible because of the Building Michigan Together Plan signed in March 2022, the grant is aimed at communities whose economy and health were hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DLZ helped three communities apply for four projects in Round 1 which will grant $15 Million of coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds to communities across the state. In West Michigan, pickleball has soared in popularity and DLZ helped Whitehall Township apply for funding to resurface and convert courts for pickleball play as well as develop spectator areas and a conversation patio for outdoor social engagement. Laketon Township enlisted DLZ for their help in applying for funding to expand a multi-use court at their largest park into a new surface with six pickleball courts as well as full-sized courts for basketball and tennis. This will provide multiple sports opportunities all in the same area at the park and promote physical fitness for people to engage in the activity of their choice.

DLZ assisted Port Huron Township in applying for two Spark Grants as part of Round 1: a 0.9-mile looped pathway expansion at Bakers Field Park and at Thompson Pond Park, replacement of two existing floating piers with one floating fishing pier that will feature the Township’s existing Americans with Disabilities Act accessible kayak/canoe launch.

Rounds 2 and 3 of the Michigan Spark Grant will award $25 Million each in the spring and summer of 2023. Communities can request any amount between $100,000 and $1 Million with no matching funds required.

DLZ Contact: Kathryn Maki, P.E.

What is WELL?

WELL applies the science of how physical and social environments affect human health, well-being, and performance. Developed over 10 years and backed by the latest scientific research, WELL outlines key building-level and organizational strategies across 10 categories.

-WELL, Inc. 2020, WELL Certification v2, Standard | WELL V2 (wellcertified.com)

WELL V2 aims to benefit people globally by including all populations especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. With ten concepts developed and validated by experts across varying disciplines, WELL V2 identifies the industry’s best practices for a healthy, safe, and equitable environment. It maintains knowledge of the advancements in science, technology, research, and society to keep up with today’s pace and requires performance verification and third-party testing to ensure thresholds are archived.

Each concept consists of features, with preconditions defining the fundamental components. Optimizations are optional pathways to certification. There are 110 points available across a project scorecard. Levels of certification include: Bronze = 40 points; Silver = 50 points; Gold = 60 points; and Platinum = 80 points.

DLZ’s Michigan practice is rooted in environmental stewardship, and we are actively developing renewable energy initiatives. Sustainable practices have always been an integral part of the DLZ culture. Our professional staff members utilize the proven scientific and technological advances to reduce the carbon footprint and minimize the environmental impact associated with our projects. For more information on WELL, please contact Stacy Domino.

DLZ Contact: Stacy Domino, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, Assoc. AIA

Joe Louis Greenway Construction Engineering Services

The Joe Louis Greenway, named after the legendary boxer, is a recreational pathway that will connect 23 Detroit neighborhoods. Through this greenway, the City of Detroit works to honor Joe Louis by providing equitable spaces through arts, community, and commerce for all. Construction is underway but will take another 5-10 years. The overall cost for the Greenway is an estimated $240 million.

The Joe Louis Greenway is a 27.5-mile loop that passes through various sites in Detroit, including formerly vacant lots, as well as through parts of Dearborn, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. The Greenway provides safe routes in areas where the only options to take a walk or bike ride from one point to another are along busy streets, where traffic can be dangerous. The loop will include both off-street pathways and on-street bike lanes including bicycle parking and repair stations.

The Joe Louis Greenway will even connect to Windsor, Canada once the new Gordie Howe International Bridge is completed. The Joe Louis Greenway mission statement says that it “provides connected, equitable and engaging spaces throughout our city and region, where we offer opportunities for empowerment, unification and healing for our neighborhoods and people.”

DLZ Michigan is working with the City of Detroit under 100% ARPA Funding providing Construction Engineering and Inspection Services for the Joe Louis Greenway in Phase 1 Zones C, G, H, and I under a $1.5 million contract scheduled through the end of 2024.

DLZ Contact: Dor’Mario Brown

Holidays with DLZ!

DLZ Michigan gave back this past holiday season! Here are a few highlights. We look forward to connecting with you in 2023!

The Muskegon, Michigan office volunteered at a local shelter by walking dogs looking for adoption.

The other offices in Michigan held successful Pet Donation Drives and got together for some holiday fun!

    

DLZ Contact: Jamie Almer