BREITUNG TOWNSHIP PUBLIC Works Foreman Chris Wilcox works to replace a lead water line. Participation in the East Kingsford Water Income Survey could help fund improvements to the water system, officials said. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

QUINNESEC — Breitung Township needs the residents of East Kingsford to participate in a survey that can assist the township in funding water projects. A response rate of 38% is required for it to be successful.

“This survey is helpful for our funding sources and obtaining any available principal-forgiveness loans for the cost of much-needed improvements,” said Superintendent of Public Works Jay Davis. “If we have a successful return of completed surveys, we could qualify for forgiveness funds, which would give us the ability to have a larger water project with considerable upgrades to the system.”

With the support of USDA Rural Development and the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, the township will be sending a letter out to each residential customer in the East Kingsford water system. With the letter is a demographic survey for household income. Filling out that survey could facilitate cost savings for future water projects.

In the past, median incomes for Breitung Township have been too high to qualify for funding assistance. However, this survey is isolated to East Kingsford alone and may produce a different result.

The water system services 468 homes, or approximately 1,404 residents. Parts of the existing system go back as far as the 1920s.

The township currently purchases water from the city of Kingsford and has no control over Kingsford’s pricing structure, service or water usage fees. The water systems in Breitung Township are not funded by tax dollars as money generated from the water bills must cover the costs. The water account is a stand-alone fund, also known as an enterprise fund and state law does not allow for the use of tax dollars to operate it, officials said.

Expenses to the system include payments to purchase water, materials for repairs to water mains and lines, along with labor and equipment costs.

The township is attempting to find funding for necessary improvements, including replacing old water mains and changing out lead gooseneck connections on service lines as required by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The township is also looking to create its own independent water supply by installing new wells and a water tank eliminating the need to purchase water from Kingsford.

In 2023, 28 million gallons of water was purchased and the amount resold was only 16 million. The water loss, 42%, was due to the old infrastructure and water main breaks.

Davis said that if East Kingsford had its own water source, the water loss would not be as expensive as currently. Replacement of water mains is beyond the capacity of the funds available, he said.

Returning the survey may allow for the creation of that water source and reservoir to better serve residents, Davis said, adding, “It is the township’s goal to provide our residents with a safe, reliable and affordable water service.”

Township officials ask that East Kingsford residents send in the survey as soon as possible. The surveys are sent to the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership program in Ishpeming. The township will not receive any individual survey information.

Anybody with questions or concerns may contact the township at 906-779-2050.

In action Monday, the township board:

— Welcomed Dickinson County Undersheriff Chris Kuenzer, who introduced Deputy Harley Winters as the township’s new code enforcement officer. Kuenzer had served the township as a contracted deputy from the sheriff’s department for Breitung Township since January 2020 until he was promoted to undersheriff in June. Meanwhile, Deputy Brian Polzien, who had also worked in the township, was recently promoted to the rank of detective/lieutenant. Polzien’s new position will include the investigation of all major crimes and he is a member of the KIND drug team and critical incident response team. Polzien is also an evidence technician. A replacement deputy for the township may be named in August.

— Voted to abandon a Division Street alley. Bill Massicotte wants to build a detached garage and to meet the required 6-foot setback he would need to count his half of the alley. Dickinson County Road Commission minutes from 1973 show that the process to abandon the alley was started but never completed. A utility easement for electrical power will be retained.

— Approved a bid of $125,698 from Bacco Construction of Iron Mountain to pave a section of Collins Road. The road was added to this year’s road projects when bids for Becker Road and Schettler Drive came in under budget.

— Appointed Guy Forstrom to the Zoning Board of Appeals.