ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Drain Commission provided a progress update Thursday on several ongoing projects, including a key pump replacement in Raisin Township, infrastructure planning in Franklin Township, and continued improvements at the Red Mill Dam.
At Lake Arrowhead, one of the two well pumps that supply water to the area recently failed. The system, located near the intersection of Fox and Mills Highway in Raisin Township, is scheduled for repair. Crews are also continuing seasonal preventative maintenance to support systems impacted by increased summer usage.
Drain maintenance teams are currently focused on non-agricultural storm drain systems, including detention basins and residential subdivisions. Open ditch work is underway in both Riga and Medina Townships. Recent wheat harvests have cleared access to additional drains that will be addressed in the coming weeks.
In Franklin Township, the Board of Determination has approved improvements to the Burns Drain, which serves a large agricultural region near Tipton Highway and U.S. 50. The approval sets the stage for a major infrastructure project expected to begin in the coming years.
Drain Commissioner Edwin Scheffler also reported progress at the Red Mill Dam site. Construction crews have completed the auxiliary spillway and wall backfilling. A kayak portage is currently being installed on the south side of the site. Once actuators and a new gate are delivered, the project will move toward final completion.
Despite supply delays, the Red Mill Dam project is now estimated to be 75 to 80% complete.
The Drain Commission is also testing drone spraying partnerships, citing ongoing licensing challenges that limit in-house operation. A test application in Ridgeway Township was planned this week in collaboration with an outside contractor.
More updates are expected at future meetings as seasonal drainage access continues and capital projects move forward.