It appears that INDOT is not showing any movement toward a U.S. 30 freeway project and has no current plans to develop it.
Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler gave that update to the Starke County Commissioners last week after the U.S. 30 Coalition’s most recent meeting.
The U.S. 30 enhancement project involves an upgrade to freeway standards between Valparaiso and Fort Wayne. In that stretch, the only way to get across U.S. 30 would be with an overpass, and the only way to get on will be at an interchange. This concerns Starke County officials who believe that could be detrimental to the Hamlet area and possible economic development there and access for farmers.
Ritzler said the committee did agree to hire a consultant to lobby the Governor. His support for the project would give the project forward momentum.
Ritzler said the president and vice president of the coalition would like to attend a future commissioners meeting to discuss why they believe Starke County should be more involved in the project. The commissioners agreed to hear a short presentation in an upcoming meeting, but stated they’re not willing to contribute any more money toward the committee at this time.
Counties in the U.S. 30 Coalition from Valparaiso to Fort Wayne pay into the coalition. Starke County’s proposed $10,000 contribution was denied by council officials who learned that not all who would be affected by the project are paying into the coalition.
The proposed project was brought before residents in a public hearing in 2017.
