SOUTH HAVEN | Big improvements are in store for this community, which is said to be among the largest unincorporated areas in the state.
The newest and largest project is the long-awaited repair work on the deteriorating storm water system under the area of Old South Haven, which is bounded by U.S. 6 to the north, 700 North to the south, Ind. 149 to the east and McCool Road to the west.
South Haven resident and Porter County Council member Jeremy Rivas, D-2nd, voiced interest in supporting efforts to relieve the frequent flooding and numerous sinkholes.
The County Council decided last month to study ways of funding the massive project, which carries an estimated construction cost of as much as $10 million.
County Commission President John Evans, R-North, said the project is part of a wider plan to bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to South Haven, which began developing in the 1960s.
Evans said he has been dedicating a portion of the county's income tax revenue for years to build sidewalks in South Haven.
The effort, which began at the schools and built out as far as each year's pot of money would allow, received a boost a few years ago with the support of federal funding from U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind.
The county is also working to bring improvements to the strip of U.S. 6 that cuts through South Haven.
The county recently entered into a contract to study the corridor and report back with the findings, said county Redevelopment Commission member Dave Burris.
Rather than turn to the local business for financial support for the work, Burris has said the commission will look into obtaining grant money.
The Redevelopment Commission thought the timing for the work along U.S. 6 was appropriate, considering the state recently had widened the road and added sidewalks, Burris has said.
Rivas said he also plans to work with Portage Township and the county to bring more improvements to the two parks in South Haven.
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