To the surprise of local officials, the Indiana Department of Transportation has awarded Logansport and Cass County $2.2 million for the Chase Road widening project.
INDOT made the announcement Tuesday. Mayor Mike Fincher had hoped for at least $500,000 this year, but since Logansport and Cass County got the lion’s share of the $2.7 million available, the project’s timeline might be moved up.
“Now that we got that much, it’s going to make a big difference in how we approach this thing,” Fincher said.
The latest round of federal funding administered through the state highway department put the city and county closer to fully funding the $4.5 million project. Jeff Smith, project coordinator with the Cass County Highway Department, said construction might begin as early as next year. The first indication of roadwork will be surveying.
“They may see some stakes and markers and survey work going on out there throughout the spring and summer months,” Smith said.
Last year, INDOT released $275,000 for work on Chase Road. Local officials also set aside $250,000 in County Economic Development Income Tax money for the project.
“We’re still short on total cost, but it gives us a heck of a starting position,” Fincher said.
Officials will apply for more money when the opportunity presents itself. Fincher is confident more funding will be awarded.
“Since the state has invested that much money in a $4.5 million project, it doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed, but it means you have a better chance of continuing the project on with INDOT money,” Fincher said.
On Jan. 7, a delegation of city and county officials traveled to LaPorte to give a presentation on the project’s progress. Fincher credited the combined effort of the city, county and Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation.
“All three of these entities working together just made it a more appealing project for the state of Indiana to consider,” Fincher said.
Improvements to Chase Road are considered a priority. Officials say the current condition of the road is unsuitable for the estimated 3,900 vehicles that use it every day, and with the new Wal-Mart Supercenter set to go up on the east side of town, officials expect use of the road to increase.
The narrow road, a popular shortcut for motorists traveling to and from the north and east sides of Logansport, runs for just under a mile between Davis and Michigan roads.
Kevin Lilly can be reached at (574) 732-5117, or via e-mail at kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com
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Chase Road project awarded $2.2 million
<b>Unexpected amount might move up project timeline</b>
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