Upton Talks US-31 Project Funding

fredupton24234

At long last, US 31 will be completely connected to I-94 within five years. Congressman Fred Upton announced a $20 million federal grant late Thursday afternoon.

“One of the critical pieces was the acknowledgement by the state that in fact it ought to be on the Build Michigan Plan,” said Upton. The St. Joseph Republican is crediting a former state representative from Stevensville with being instrumental in finally getting the funding.

“Thanks to former state Representative and Budget Director Al Pscholka,” said Upton. “He was able to get it on that list, which then allowed it to qualify for the federal funds that have finally been sprung now to get this thing done.”

The Michigan Department of Transportation says work will begin in 2021 or 2022, with completion in 2023. Like everyone else, Upton has been waiting a long time.

“I have a bumper sticker that hangs in my office in the Twin Cities that says ‘Pray for me, I drive on US-31.’ I said that would hang until it’s done, and I’m glad to say I can stop dusting it off.”

It’s taken roughly three decades to get the project complete.