Marshall County leaders to discuss INDOT's proposed U.S. 31 limitation of access impacting Argos economy

Marshall County Commissioner President Stan Klotz has scheduled a high-level meeting with state and regional officials to address critical concerns about the Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) proposed plans to cut access to U.S. 31 near Argos, which local leaders fear could severely stifle economic development.

The public informational meeting, set for Friday, January 30th, at 10 a.m. in the second-floor meeting room of the County Building, will bring together a broad coalition of stakeholders. Attendees expected to attend include: Mary Martin from the Governor’s office, the head of the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG), representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, officials from INDOT’s LaPorte District, leaders from the Town of Argos, and potentially, state legislators.

Commissioner Klotz announced the gathering during the Marshall County Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday. He expressed concern over INDOT's intention to eliminate access points at County Road 17 and Dewey Streets, located south of Argos.

"Right now, the plan is to basically dump all that problem back on the county and the Town of Argos," Klotz stated.

Speaking on Wednesday during the "What’s Your Opinion Show" on GIANT fm WTCA, Klotz reiterated his concerns, asserting that the state's plan would significantly harm the region. "What the state is doing to us over the U.S. 31 plan is basically cutting us off at the knees and creating a problem," he said.

The Commissioner emphasized the need to proactively address these issues rather than waiting until decisions are finalized. "We are going to discuss the effects this has on Marshall County. I don’t want to wait until this plan is all in stone. We are going to try and get out in front of it and express our concerns."

Klotz criticized the state's approach, adding, "Their plan is the cheapest way with no concern with economic development in the path." The meeting aims to present a united front and advocate for a solution that considers the long-term economic well-being of the community.