THE PROJECT
A Major Infrastructure Win for Big Rapids
The Big Rapids City Commission approved a grant agreement with the Michigan Strategic Fund for a Water Related Infrastructure Community Development Block Grant Program award of $2.5 million — formally clearing the way for the State Street Water Main Replacement Project. Gerber Construction was awarded the construction bid at the May 18, 2026 City Commission meeting, contingent on execution of that grant agreement. That agreement has now been approved.
The total project cost is projected at nearly $5.7 million. The MSF grant, which also includes $31,540 in administrative support funding, covers a significant share of that investment. Construction is expected to commence in Spring 2027.
SCOPE OF WORK
What's Being Built
Water Main Replacement
The project will replace an aging section of the State Street water main running between the water tower at Cedar Street and the water tower on the south end of the Ferris State University campus — a critical corridor for water service reliability in the city.
Infrastructure Investment
With a total project value of nearly $5.7 million and $2.5 million secured through the Michigan Strategic Fund's CDBG Water Related Infrastructure Program, this project represents one of the most significant public infrastructure investments in Big Rapids in recent years.
Grant-Backed Execution
The City of Big Rapids applied for the grant in May 2025 and was selected to move forward in June 2025, following completion of an environmental assessment, approval from the Michigan State Historical Preservation Office, and procurement of a certified grant administrator.
Spring 2027 Construction
Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2027. The City has indicated it will continue exploring cost-reduction opportunities between now and groundbreaking to maximize the impact of available funds.
NEARLY A DECADE IN THE MAKING
Why This Project Matters
This project has been in planning for close to 10 years. The $2.5 million Michigan Strategic Fund grant, secured through the hard work of the City's grant coordination team, is what made it financially viable. For Gerber, being awarded this contract is a direct reflection of our reputation for delivering essential civil infrastructure — work that doesn't always make the front page, but keeps communities functioning.
Water main replacement is foundational work. It's the kind of project where quality and execution matter far more than optics. We're proud the City of Big Rapids put their trust in us for a project of this scale and significance.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
State Street Water Main — Key Facts
Total Project Value
The full cost of the State Street Water Main Replacement Project, funded through a combination of MSF grant dollars and City of Big Rapids resources.
Michigan Strategic Fund Grant
Awarded through the Water Related Infrastructure CDBG Program and approved by the Big Rapids City Commission in June 2026.
Construction Begins
Groundbreaking is expected in Spring 2027. Gerber Construction was awarded the bid in May 2026 following a competitive public procurement process.
GERBER CONSTRUCTION
Built for Work Like This
Gerber Construction brings deep experience in civil and site construction across Michigan — including utility work, site development, and infrastructure projects that require precision, coordination with public agencies, and the ability to operate within the complexity of occupied urban corridors.
The State Street project joins a growing portfolio of public and commercial work that reflects our commitment to essential infrastructure and community partnership. We self-perform across a wide range of scopes, which means tighter coordination, greater accountability, and results that hold up over time.
WORK WITH GERBER
Let's Talk About Your Project
From public infrastructure to commercial site work, Gerber brings the experience, equipment, and accountability your project demands.
