The Alpena Municipal Council this week, adopted a resolution that authorized the city to adopt the Articles of Incorporation for the Northeast Michigan Materials Management Authority, which will be taking over the operation of the Resource Recovery Facility in Alpena January 1.
The new authority, which has already been approved by Alpena County and the Charter Township of Alpena, is being formed in advance of construction of a new $5.8 million Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on airport property.
It was disclosed by City Manager Rachel Smolinksi that 72% of the cost to build the new recycling center has been secured through grants, along with a federal appropriation through Senator Debbie Stabenow. The county has also allocated $500,000 toward the facility, and has also committed to a long-term lease of the airport property for the new center.
Organizers claim the new center is needed because the current Resource Recovery Facility on M-32 west can no longer handle all of the recyclables coming in. In addition, the new facility will allow the authority to take in new types of recyclables, such as glass; and will serve as a regional hub for recycling.
Construction of the new facility is expected to start in 2023 with a completion target of fall 2024.
