Commission authorizes funding to acquire property for State Road 2 / Larison interchange, sets construction timeline

The St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission on a unanimous vote authorized funding to begin property acquisitions and preparatory work for an interchange at State Road 2 and Larison Boulevard.

Bill, presenting for staff, said the project has an overall commitment of $19 million with $7 million coming from AWS and $12 million expected from the county. The county’s $12 million obligation, he said, will be satisfied in part through in-kind right-of-way donations, previously incurred expenses and available funds in the New Carlisle Economic Development Area. He said six properties must be acquired as an immediate step and that there are roughly 17 properties total tied to the full project footprint.

On schedule, staff said construction is expected to formally start in March, with the southern half of the project advancing in earnest in July and full project completion targeted by November 2027. Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-18 to establish and authorize the use of available funds for property acquisition and project advancement.

Public commenter Dan Caruso told the commission he opposes building the “diamond interchange” and urged state leaders to reallocate the $31 million. "We don't need the diamond," Caruso said, arguing traffic volumes no longer justify the interchange. Staff responded in the meeting record by restating acquisition and schedule needs; no change was made to the approved funding authorization.

Next steps: staff will proceed with property acquisition and coordinate required deeds and documents to transfer funds when settlements and signed state documents are in place.