May 13, 2009 -- The federal government yesterday issued a long-awaited decision approving the expansion of the U.S. port of entry at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron and improvements to 2.5 miles of the I-94/I-69 corridor west of the plaza. The Record of Decision, issued May 12 by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is the final environmental clearance for the project.
The Record of Decision is the last step under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to gain project approval, following seven years of consultations, public hearings, traffic analyses, and environmental studies. The Record of Decision allows the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to begin design and right of way acquisition phases of the project. The department will begin design and right of way acquisition for the I-94/I-69 freeway corridor, replacement of the Black River Bridge and relocation of Pine Grove Avenue later this year. Design and right of way acquisition for the Blue Water Bridge Plaza would start in 2010.
Construction could begin as early as 2011 on the expansion of the Black River Bridge and the I-94/I-69 freeway improvements.
"This is a significant milestone," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Our project team has been working cooperatively for the past several years with our partners at the federal and state levels, plus local stakeholders from the city of Port Huron, St. Clair County, Port Huron Charter Township, and the Bridge Plaza Business and Community Coalition, doing its best to address all concerns and, at the same time, meet the needs of the community."
"The Blue Water Bridge is a significant economic asset to the State of Michigan. We anticipate that activity on this $553 million project will generate approximately 4,430 jobs during the construction period," Steudle added.
"In order to assist contractors and help facilitate team building, we plan to invite all prospective contractors to a meeting to learn about potential upcoming project opportunities," said Matt Webb, MDOT project manager. "We want to be sure everyone is pre-qualified for work with the State of Michigan and has all their paperwork in order."
"Customs and Border Protection welcomes the news that this process is moving forward. The completion of this project will greatly enhance our ability to continue to secure our nation's borders," said Christopher Perry, director, field operations, Customs and Border Protection. "The improvements to our inspection facility that are part of this project will allow us to continue to upgrade, and field, the latest technology in our ongoing efforts to facilitate the free flow of trade and travel at the Blue Water Bridge."
More information on the Blue Water Bridge Plaza study, including the Record of Decision, is available on the project Web site at www.michigan.gov/bluewaterbridgeproject.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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