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SJ Upton Drive Improvement Project Wins Major State Funding

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Almost a million dollars ($992,000) is headed to St Joseph from the State of Michigan for an Upton Drive re-build project, near the under-construction Whirlpool Laundry and Dishwasher Technical Center (the former St. Joseph Division site).   The announcement came from the Governor’s Office;

“These grants will help us put Michiganders first and demonstrate our ongoing collaborative efforts around economic development and infrastructure here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. ”We will continue to stay laser-focused on growing our economy, creating good jobs for Michiganders, and ensuring safe roads for drivers in every community.”

Whirlpool worked closely with the City of St. Joseph to land the grant:

“St. Joseph and the surrounding region is home to Whirlpool Corporation’s Global and North American Headquarters’ teams, with multiple facilities employing upwards of 4,000 people locally,” said Eleanor Reece, Whirlpool Corporation VP of Communications. “Upton Drive serves as a main access route for many of those employees, and these improvements will benefit our business as well as other businesses and residents using that roadway. The timing of the grant is perfect, as more and more people are using this road network to access the beaches, enjoy the restaurants and other local amenities, including those that will live in the new $20 million multi-family housing development and work at the new $60 million Tech Center being built by Whirlpool Corporation along that corridor.”

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In 2019, Whirlpool began exploring options for another significant capital investment project – the renovation or replacement of its Laundry and Dishwasher Technical Center on Upton Drive. After extensive evaluation of their global locations, remaining in St. Joseph seemed most beneficial providing roadway improvements could be made that would continue to support their employees travelling between multiple buildings and interstate suppliers. The poor and deteriorating condition of Upton Drive is a concern as it jeopardizes access to the facility by both employees and suppliers. Finely calibrated equipment is delivered to the Technical Center on a regular basis. These deliveries need a smooth road surface for secure transportation as upheavals and jarring from poor surfaces can damage the delicate equipment. Cement supplier LaFarge Corporation regularly transports its heavy loads along Upton Drive and uneven surfaces intensify the impact these vehicles have.

Cornerstone Alliance, the area’s economic development organization used its strong relationship with the Governor’s office to help secure the funding:

“This announcement is recognition of the key role that Southwest Michigan plays  economy, and we are grateful for the state’s support,” said Rob Cleveland – President and CEO of Cornerstone Alliance. “State partners have been unwavering in their commitment to helping Whirlpool grow jobs for Michiganders. Economic development projects are often complex and there are many partners on every project. This commitment from MDOT is a key component of the project. This grant will keep high paying jobs in Southwest Michigan and make it possible for Whirlpool Corporation to attract talent from all parts of the world.”

Cornerstone says the project helps ensure the viability of approximately 400 local jobs, mostly at Whirlpool.   And temporary jobs are created for the construction period.

The City of St. Joseph will reconstruct Upton Drive from Momany Drive south to the Cul de Sac near the St. Joseph River. The reconstruction will create a uniform road surface that reduces jostling of sensitive equipment, provides easy access by employees, and provides well drained roadways that alleviate flooding and icing hazards.

The total project cost is $4,866,859. The TEDF Category A share of the project is $992,000, with the City of St. Joseph providing the balance (64%) through a combination of local funds and an EDA grant.

St. Joseph City officials are pleased:

“The City of St. Joseph is excited to learn that it was awarded a TEDF-A grant by the Michigan Department of Transportation,” said John Hodgson, St. Joseph City Manager.  “It will bring the city one step closer to funding the much-needed reconstruction project and associated improvements on Upton Drive. We are very pleased that MDOT is supporting Whirlpool’s commitment to southwest Michigan with the construction of the new St. Joseph Technical Center.”