FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Truscott
August 27, 1998 (517) 335-6397
Governor John Engler announced today the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
and the Marquette County Road Commission have agreed on transferring 30 miles of county
roads to the state. The two road agencies agreed that County Roads 553, 460, 462 and a
soon to be constructed County Road 460/462 connector, have regional and statewide
significance and therefore have been selected for transfer. Based on these agreements,
these routes will become state trunklines effective sometime prior to Oct. 1, 1998.
"A primary goal of the rationalization process is to develop a state road system that
will serve as the commercial backbone of Michigan's economy," said Governor Engler.
"With MDOT having responsibility for the high-volume, commercially significant routes
across Michigan, the counties and cities will be better equipped to provide the
appropriate attention and resources to those local roads providing direct access to homes
and property."
J. Pat Farrell, Chairman of the Marquette County Road Commission stated: "We
carefully analyzed the impact that the transfer of these roads would have on the county
road system and, after having received community support for the idea, decided that the
transfer would be in the best interest of Marquette County."
County Road 553 is the preferred north/south route between M-35 near Gwinn and the cities
of Marquette, Ishpeming and Negaunee. This route serves the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force
Base. Local citizenry involved in redevelopment efforts at K.I. Sawyer believe that the
state trunkline designation is an important step for their success. Local consensus is
that regional access will be improved when the Marquette County Airport is moved to the
former base in 1999.
County Roads 460 and 462, along with the proposed connector provide a major east/west
route across K.I. Sawyer between US-41 and County Road 553. Included in the construction
of the connector is the relocation of an at-grade railroad spur which will enhance the
safety of the new route.
"I am very pleased that we were able to come to this agreement," said State
Transportation Director James DeSana. "The rationalization of Michigan's highway
system provides a unique opportunity for all road agencies to assess their systems and
determine appropriate responsibility."
For more detailed information, please contact Gary G. Naeyaert, MDOT Communications, at 517-335-3084.