County considers road project funding

St. Joseph County commissioners are prepared to take the unprecedented step of offering funds toward the restoration of what is generally considered the worst road in the county.
During Wednesday’s executive committee meeting, commissioners agreed to consider a $50,000 allocation toward improving a six-mile stretch of Constantine Road.
Commission chairman Allen Balog said the county board has never provided general-fund money toward roadwork, but the Constantine Road situation is unique, commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Dennis Allen said the road commission has committed $260,000 via an MDOT grant toward the task, which is projected to cost $1.2 million in all.
Commissioner Dan Czajkowski, who lives in White Pigeon and said he uses Constantine Road frequently, indicated he supports the idea of the county offering up some financial assistance.
County officials will wait to see if officials from Constantine, Florence and White Pigeon townships are willing to pitch in funding toward the project.
Balog said he hopes the townships realize they have a commitment to their constituents, and that committing some funding – as the county appears willing to do – to fix the problem should be a priority.