Federal budget provides $1M for U.S. 24 overpass

1/29/2004

NAPOLEON — The planned Glenwood Avenue overpass for U.S. 24 received a $1 million boost, moving the $3 million project closer toward elimination of a deadly highway crossing, Mayor Andy Small said yesterday.

The $1 million was part of the 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that President Bush signed last week. The federal spending plan earmarked money for a myriad of local projects.

The overpass project is part of the U.S. 24 upgrade between Toledo and Fort Wayne, Ind. But Mayor Small said planners did not want to wait for that plan because of the number of accidents at Glenwood and the highway.

City officials began lobbying their congressional delegation last year to obtain federal funds to speed up the overpass work. “Our representatives in Washington have been wonderful,” Mr. Small said.

Construction is expected in 2006 at the earliest, while the “Port to Fort” Route 24 project will not begin until at least 2007, he said.