Dorr sustainable business park project is paused

The sustainable business park project for the northeast corner of Dorr Township has been paused because the anchor tenant, Continuous Materials, hasn’t been able to secure the funding needed for startup.

Continuous Materials plans to manufacture siding, roofing and ceiling parts from discarded plastic glass and other so-called recycling items that still otherwise wind up in landfills. The 250-acre site in Dorr Township is owned by Kent County and it has been set aside for use as soon as the Kent County landfill is full.

The project of using the site as a sustainable business park instead of a landfill has had rough sailing of late because the Kent County Board of Commissioners is split on the issue and now the funding issue has surfaced.

Dorr Township Supervisor Jeff Miling said Thursday evening that about $100 million is needed for startup, and though some funding sources have come through, much more is needed.

The Dorr Township Board last year agreed to set aside $200,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant money for its contribution.

Miling cautioned Thursday night, “If it (the project) is paused for too long, it goes into a landfill… We’ll know by August 2024.”

Representatives from the Kent County Department of Public Works have been checking in with township officials from time to time over the past several years, and for awhile prospects looked promising. Not so of late.

In other business at the meeting, the Township Board:

• Approved a new policy for appointments to local boards and commissions “to generate higher credibility and respect and produce integrity and public trust,” according to Trustee John Tuinstra. Applications or resumes will be required for those who want to serve. Tuinstra said, “It’s a matter of putting more qualified people on these boards and commissions.”
• Was told there is one vacancy on both the Library Board and Parks Commission. Both seats would expire in November 2024, at which time the appointee could be elected to a full term.
• Approved the recommendation of Fire Chief Gary Fordham to appoint Patrick Farwell as new probationary firefighter.
• Approved a request from 123.Net to run broadband fiber in the township for high-speed Internet service.