In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the complexities surrounding the potential litigation against Wayne County and the Michigan Department of Transportation regarding the funding and maintenance of critical infrastructure, particularly bridges on Grosse Ile. The township's legal counsel indicated that pursuing such litigation would likely face significant opposition and could result in costly, protracted legal battles with little chance of success. The estimated costs for repairing and replacing the bridges could exceed $250 million over the next decade, raising concerns about the feasibility of suing the very agencies from which the township seeks funding.

The meeting also addressed the township's engagement with a bridge engineering firm, Hardisty and Hanover, which conducted extensive inspections of the toll bridge. Their comprehensive evaluation, which included both above and below water inspections, was crucial in establishing a cost estimate for necessary repairs to ensure the bridge's longevity. However, the engineering report remains confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) requested by the bridge company, which has sparked discussions about transparency and public access to information.

Officials expressed a commitment to providing residents with information about the bridge's condition and the planned upgrades, emphasizing the importance of reliable access to the island. They acknowledged that once a purchase agreement is reached, the NDA would no longer apply, allowing for public disclosure of the engineering report and the details of the proposed work.

Trustees also clarified that the use of confidential negotiations is not unique to this situation, citing past instances where the township engaged in similar discussions regarding property acquisitions. The meeting underscored the township's preference for pursuing constructive solutions rather than engaging in litigation that could hinder progress and community trust.