The Martin Township Board Wednesday evening decided to spend just a little more than $9,000 this year to give calcium chloride a limited try for dust control.

The board voted 3-0 to have eight miles of non-paved roads in the township receive the substance instead of the customary brine solution. Michigan Chloride Sales will do the work.

The eight miles will include three miles on 122nd Avenue, a mile each on 7th and 9th Streets and three miles on Eighth Street.

The remainder of the non-paved roads will be serviced by brine applied by the winner of a bidding process. The bids will be opened at the March 8 meeting of the board.

It is now estimated that cost for this year’s dust control program will be $20,000.

Board members agreed they would like to give calcium chloride a chance after hearing positive results from Wayland and Watson Townships. It is regarded as more costly, but more effective, than brine.

The board also agreed to have special maintenance work done on Fifth, Third and 11th Streets by the Allegan County Road Commission.

The board also decided to purchase 6,000 yards of gravel for graveling projects this summer.

The amount was more than in the past, but Supervisor Glenn Leep explained, “This gives us a better opportunity to cover a greater area.”