22 June 2005 Meeting Notes

I. Introductions and Updates on US-131 Activities

The meeting came to order at 7:07 p.m. The meeting began with introductions of those in attendance. A list of attendees is attached following as Appendix I.

II. Update on Joint Meeting/St. Joseph County Environmental Impact Statement

MDOT is compiling the input from the public hearing held earlier this spring. The compilation of comments is expected to be released in late July. A Preferred Alternative will be released sometime in the fall.

III. Recap of Visit by MDOT Director to Kalamazoo

Mr. Sych provided an overview of the presentation to Gloria Jeff on May 16, 2005 at the KATS Policy Committee. The presentation was made by Don Beavers - Village of Constantine, Sally Carpenter - St. Joseph County MSU Extension, Eric Shafer, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, John Sych - Kalamazoo County, and Loren Warfield - Village of Schoolcraft. While the presentation was helpful to illustrate the issues to the director, it is clear efforts to gain political support and ensure the by-pass is technically sound must be continued.

IV. Next Steps

There was general discussion about the placement of the US-131 by-pass of Schoolcraft in the Long Range Plan for the Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study. How do we move the by-pass from an illustrative project in the plan to an actual prioritized project?

The availability of future funding and the prioritization of the by-passes was discussed. When the federal transportation bill is reauthorized, will there be an opportunity to dedicate funding for planning of the by-pass?

Determining reasonable by-pass alternatives was also discussed. Looking for illustrative examples of other by-passes would be beneficial, particularly those with context-sensitive solutions.

VI. Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, 30 August 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

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

US-131 CMPC

Robin Baker - St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners
Patricia Weiss - Village of Constantine

Others

Darrell Harden - MDOT