CAPAC, MI — Officials gathered Thursday, Aug. 6 for a ceremonial groundbreaking marking a milestone in Capac’s Main Street Streetscape Project, a $1.5 million federally funded investment aimed at transforming the village’s downtown.
Although construction began July 27, officials gathered Thursday to recognize the years of planning and federal funding that brought the project to fruition. Less than two weeks after work began, crews had already made visible progress along Main Street.
The project followed more than a year of engineering, federal reviews and historic preservation approvals after Capac secured the congressional funding. Village officials have said those requirements were necessary before construction could begin.
U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain secured the $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending that village officials’ credit with making the project possible.
The funding will support Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, drainage upgrades, traffic-calming measures, landscaping, benches and other improvements designed to make downtown safer and more accessible.
“One of the best things about Michigan is its small towns, and Capac is a great example of that,” McClain said during the ceremony. “This project is going to make the downtown more welcoming for visitors and a better place for local businesses to grow.”
Village Manager and Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Travis Youatt said the groundbreaking marked years of planning to improve the community’s downtown.
“It means everything to Capac,” Youatt said. “This has been a long time coming.”
Youatt said the project will replace aging infrastructure while creating a safer, more accessible and welcoming downtown for residents, visitors and businesses.
“This is the heart of our village. It’s our downtown,” he said. “This is going to be the front door to the Thumb.”
Village President Debbie Hlubic said renovating Main Street has been a goal for several years and thanked village staff, the DDA, council members and McClain for helping move the project forward.
“This streetscape renovation is essential for our community’s safety, local economy and well-being,” Hlubic said during the ceremony. “We break ground today to improve our village for tomorrow and to enjoy this for many years and generations to come.”
The project also includes utility upgrades to address drainage issues while creating a more pedestrian-friendly downtown. Village officials said the improvements are intended to strengthen local businesses, create a gathering place for the community and improve access for residents of all ages.
Art Malburg, president of the Village of Capac DDA, said the improvements will benefit downtown businesses.
“We’re looking forward to the improvements to the road and the benefits that will help local businesses,” Malburg said.
Capac Council Member Patti Weyhrauch, who grew up in the village, said she hopes the project will help attract new businesses.
“We’re just excited about the new landscape and hopefully bring some new businesses to town,” Weyhrauch said. “This is a town that I was born and raised in, and when I was young, it was booming.”
Construction is expected to be completed this fall.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Capac breaks ground on $1.5 M streetscape project
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
