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Walorski
Participates in U.S. 31 Groundbreaking Long-Awaited Road Project Comes to Fruition STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17, 2008) — State Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Jimtown), along with local officials and representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony today for a project to reroute U.S. 31.
“This is more than just a road project,” said Rep. Walorski. “We are building a road to the future paved with jobs for Hoosiers today and tomorrow. We know from experience that when you invest in road projects such as this, businesses file into the region. The result is a surge in the local economy immediately in the form of construction jobs and later in the form of jobs created by new business attracted to the region.”
Local and state officials have been working to bring this building project to Lakeville for many years. Former State Rep. Richard Mangus, Rep. Walorski’s predecessor, made this project one of his perennial goals in the Indiana General Assembly. However, although many governors promised to bring the U.S. 31 project to the area, none of them ever followed through – until now.
“This is a historic day for Lakeville and St. Joe County,” Rep. Walorski said. “I have lived within a mile of U.S. 31 my entire life. We’ve known for some time that this project was needed. Many, such as Dick Mangus, fought for this project for years. His tireless efforts are now finally rewarded, and I wish he were here to see it.
“Many before Gov. Daniels promised to make this project happen, but he was the only governor to make sure it did. This day marks the beginning of huge economic gains for our region. I am thankful to Gov. Daniels for finally making this project a reality.”
In addition to the groundbreaking ceremony, Rep. Walorski and Gov. Daniels issued a proclamation honoring former Rep. Mangus for his work on this project. Former Rep. Mangus died in February 2008.
The U.S. 31 project will make it easier for travelers to get from South Bend to Indianapolis by creating a new roadway between South Bend and Plymouth. The project will cost more than $418 million and will take more than six years to complete.
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Rep. Walorski encourages constituents to contact her with questions or concerns through e-mail at h21@in.gov, by calling the Statehouse at 1-800-382-9841 or by writing her at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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