(La Porte, IN) - LaPorte County is playing a more active role in shaping the possible reconstruction of U.S 30.

 

LaPorte County has joined the U.S. 30 coalition, which consists of counties along the corridor across much of northern Indiana.

 

The mission of the coalition is to have a greater say in how U.S 30 is redesigned if the Indiana

Department of Transportation decides to convert the highway into more of an interstate.

 

The idea is to minimize disruption to as many farmers and other property owners on both sides of the highway as possible.

 

LaPorte from a vote this week by the county county was the last county to join the coalition which has existed for several years.

 

“We basically don’t want to be the only county that doesn’t have a seat at the table.  We don’t want to be left out in having a voice,” said La Porte County Councilman Mike Mollenhauer.

 

The cost of being part of the coalition is $12,000 annually.

 

Converting U.S. 30 into an interstate type highway has been discussed for years to speed up travel now slowed down by traffic lights and improve safety because of collisions occurring at intersections.

 

Currently, INDOT is doing some preliminary analysis work before making a final decision on whether to go ahead with the reconstruction.