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Funding to Complete US-31 Finally Booked

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For years we saw the bumper stickers: "I Drive US-31…Pray For Me!" Then a major chunk of the roadway was built. Amazingly, however, the final stretch has sat in limbo for years now until today. Today, State Rep. Al Pscholka, from Stevensville announced that the final phase of the U.S. 31 corridor project in Berrien County has been added to the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) five-year plan, which includes a $1.5 million appropriation to finish right of way work for the long awaited development. It's astounding news that many folks will have to pinch themselves to believe.

Pscholka says, “At every town hall meeting, local office hours, or just talking with folks in the grocery store, the question of finishing U.S. 31 comes up.  We now have a three phase plan in place, we are back on the build list to finish 31.” 

Pscholka goes on to say, “I would like to thank MDOT Director Kirk Steudle and Governor Snyder for working to help make this happen. By breaking the project into three phases – resurrecting 10 miles of I-94; replacing the interchange at downtown Benton Harbor to go east and west at Exit 33; and then connecting 31 to 94, we are able to complete something that many people thought would never happen.”

For his part, Director Steudle says, “U.S. 31 is a vital artery in Southwest Michigan, serving commercial users, commuters, and tourists.” He notes, “This project is a top priority for local leaders and these additional funds will help with land acquisition for the project.”

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The U.S. 31 bypass started in Indiana in the 1950s, with construction moving into Michigan in the late 1970s. Pscholka says all of the environmental issues have been resolved. He adds the total cost for all phases of the project is $92 million. Pscholka, meanwhile, is Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and serving in his final year in the Michigan House due to term limits. 

In closing, Al says, “It’s been a long time in the making – I remember Senator Gast and Representative Stacey complaining about the butterfly controversy, and all of the legislators in Southwest Michigan have been pushing for this, including Congressman Upton, Senator Proos, and Representative Pagel. This is great news for Southwest Michigan and our region.”  

My thanks to Christopher Bessert for the map image included with this story on Moody on the Market.com.
Map ©2003 Christopher J. Bessert, www.michiganhighways.org. Used with permission.

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