Walker Township began a dirt and gravel road project for Kettle Road last year funded by a three-phase “Dirt and Gravel Road Grant” from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The grant for Phase 1 was for $86,938, and the work was completed in 2021.

Phase 2, which was to be a grant for $127,000, was expected to be done in 2023; however, the DCNR rejected the township’s application.

“Originally, we were told it looks good for this year. As it turns out, there are more dirt and gravel road applicants than low volume road grants,” Roadmaster Chad Felty said. “Most of the dirt and gravel grant money went to the lower valued grants, so ours did not get funded.”

The township will need to reapply for the grant for next year.