I. Introductions and Updates on US-131 Activities

The meeting came to order at 7:06 p.m. The meeting began with introductions of those in attendance. A list of attendees is attached following as Appendix I.

II. Status of Joint Resolutions

John Sych noted that all four local units of government in the Schoolcraft Area US-131 Planning Committee (SAUPC) have passed the resolution. Sally Carpenter noted that all communities in St. Joseph County have passed the resolution with the exception of Fabius Township, which is expected to pass the resolution soon.

III. Discussion: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for St. Joseph County

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) held a public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for St. Joseph County on March 29, 2005 at the Three Rivers Community Center. Comments about the hearing and the EIS include the following: There has been a change in agricultural soils in the area due to irrigation; American Axle is no longer using its rail spur putting even more urgency on having a limited access freeway; and, the demand for hunting has raised land prices in St. Joseph County.

Since the deadline for comments was April 29, those present felt it was appropriate to provide input from the two committees. On a consensus of those present, the comments will be as follows: The Joseph County US-131 Corridor Master Plan Committee / Schoolcraft Area US-131 Planning Committee request the completion of US-131 from Portage to the Indiana border as a four-lane, limited-access freeway that meets the needs and interests of the local communities. Sally Carpenter was designated as the representative to forward the comments to MDOT.

IV. White Paper

John Sych prepared and presented a white paper for US-131 in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties. The white paper is to be used as a lobbying tool to identify the issue and gain political support. Mr. Sych indicated he would accept comments on the white paper until Monday, May 9th. In addition, it was noted that he should be contacted for any additions to the list of communities/agencies who have passed a resolution of support.

V. Future Committee Meeting Schedule

It was discussed about whether the two committees should still meet together and if so, when and how often? It was agreed that the next joint meeting of the two committees would be July 20, 2005 at the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce. July 20 was chosen because all the comments for the EIS will have been compiled. The committees are welcome to meet on their own before the July 20 meeting.

VI. Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, 20 July 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, 57 N. Main, Three Rivers.

Appendix I

List of Attendees

SAUPC

Tim Brown - Village of Schoolcraft
John Chapin - Prairie Ronde Township
John Sych - Kalamazoo County Planning and Community Development

US-131 CMPC

Robin Baker - St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners
Marty Barth - Lockport Township
Dan Carey - St. Joseph County Finance Director
Ron Carpenter - Park Township
Sally Carpenter - MSU Extension, St. Joseph County
Bob Ray - Constantine Township
Eric Shafer - St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners

Others

Darrell Harden - MDOT
Kathy Jessup - Kalamazoo Gazette
John Zull - Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners