Cass Road Commission Approves Lease for Eagle Lake AccessCass Road Commission Approves Lease for Eagle Lake Access

The Cass County Road Commission voted unanimously today to accept the lease agreement with the Michigan DNR for development of the Eagle Lake public access.

The commission heard objections from Eagle Lake Improvement Association, its attorney, and lake residents opposed to the project as well as fishermen in support of the project.

Opponents argued that the development would create safety and environmental concerns for the lake as well as deny shoreline access to swimmers and others. Access supporters said the project was badly needed for the public’s sake and created a safer environment for boaters and pedestrians.

Prior to the vote, engineer for the Road Commission agreed that the DNR’s plan would provide safer access than the dilapidated boat ramp and roadside parking that currently exists.

Roland Johnson of the DNR said the plan will now go to the Department of Environmental Quality and another public meeting will be scheduled. If approved by the DEQ, the DNR will present its final plan to the Ontwa Township Planning Commission.

“We’ve secured funding for construction and it is our hope to begin development before the end of this fiscal year (Sept. 30),” Johnson said.