Transportation economic development grant will support 750 new

jobs in Branch County

Contact: Nick Schirripa, MDOT Office of Communications,
schirripan@michigan.gov
269-337-3927
Agency: Transportation

November 6, 2015 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is awarding a state

transportation economic development grant that will support 750 new jobs in Branch County. The
Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category A grant totaling $2,590,699 will
leverage $255 million in private investment, at a private/public investment ratio of more than 98-to-1.
Pennsylvania-based Clemens Food Group is an industry leader in the processing of a variety of pork
products. Clemens is partnering with a number of family-owned farms in Michigan and Ohio to
produce pork. Several sites in both states were considered before deciding to construct a fresh pork
harvest facility in Coldwater. Clemens will invest approximately $255 million in new buildings and
equipment, and create 750 new jobs.
Clemens' new facility will be located southeast of the I-69 interchange at Jonesville Road, north of
Coldwater. Transportation was a key component in the selection of this site, and MDOT will repave
the I-69 ramps at Jonesville Road. Several upgrades and additions to the local road system also are
planned to accommodate Clemens' new facility between Jonesville Road and Newton Road.
Fiske Road will be extended to connect Newton and Jonesville roads, Jonesville Road will be
repaved between I-69 and Gorbell Road, Newton Road will be repaved from I-69 to the new Fiske
Road extension, and a new dedicated right-turn lane will be constructed from eastbound Jonesville
Road to the new southbound Fiske Road to accommodate commercial and employee traffic to the
new Clemens facility.
"Planning and building the proper infrastructure is key to ensuring the long-term success of a facility
like the one being built," said Ernie Meily, Clemens Food Group vice president of Community
Development. "The new road will ensure the optimal flow of traffic around the area, and provide
quick and easy access to the connecting roads. MDOT has been a great partner throughout the
planning, and we are excited to be moving into this next phase of the project."
The overall cost of the project is $3,298,727, using $2,590,699 in TEDF funding. The city of
Coldwater is providing $635,572 while the MDOT Southwest Region will invest $72,450.

Enacted in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, the TEDF helps finance highway, road and street
projects that are critical to the movement of people and products, and getting workers to their jobs,
materials to growers and manufacturers, and finished goods to consumers. TEDF "Category A" or
"Targeted Industries Program" grants provide state funding for public roadway improvements that
allow road agencies to respond quickly to the transportation needs of expanding companies and
eliminate inadequate roadways as an obstacle to private investment and job creation. Eligible road
agencies include MDOT, county road commissions, cities and villages. More information about the
program is available online at www.michigan.gov/tedf.
Download MDOT's Mi Drive traffic information app: www.michigan.gov/drive