Blue Water Bridge schedule slightly delayed

Contact: Janet Foran 517-335-7176

Agency: Transportation

February 20, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), working closely with its federal partners, the city of Port Huron, St. Clair County, and Fort Gratiot Township, is currently preparing a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for proposed improvements to the Port of Entry at Port Huron and the adjacent I-94/I-69 highway corridor.

Approval of the FEIS is needed in order to begin work on the design and right of way acquisition phases of the project. The FEIS covers the potential effects of proposed improvements t o the Blue Water Bridge Plaza, the I-94/I-69 corridor, and adjacent roads in Port Huron.

The FEIS was originally expected to be released in February, but will be delayed until the end of March. Following approval of the document by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a 30-day waiting period will be held for the public to review and comment. If no major issues are discov ered during this time, the FHWA can issue a Record of Decision in early May.

The FEIS has been delayed due to the estimated co st of the project exceeding $500 million. In accordance with FHWA guidelines, all projects exceeding this amount must have an independent cost verification.

When the document is ready for review, the FEIS will be available at several local Port Huron locations, and on the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/bluewaterbridgeproject.

MDOT says: Remember - in Ice and Snow, Take it Slow!