Media Release: Oshtemo Awarded $50k Grant for West Main-Drake Corridor

Published on November 20, 2025

For Immediate Release: November 20, 2025

Oshtemo Charter Township Awarded $50,000 Grant to Plan a Safer, More Connected West Main–Drake Corridor

Oshtemo Charter Township, Mich – Oshtemo Charter Township has secured a $50,000 grant from Kalamazoo County to launch a collaborative transportation plan for the West Main Street–Drake Road corridor, one of Kalamazoo County’s busiest and most challenging areas. The initiative will guide strategic investments to improve safety, access, and circulation while supporting smart, sustainable growth.

“The West Main–Drake corridor is the front door to everyday life in Oshtemo, where we shop, commute, and connect,” said Anna Horner, Public Works Director. “This grant gives us a seat at the table to champion resident needs and build a safer, more vibrant community.”

The plan will be anchored by robust traffic and land-use simulation to:

▪Design a safer, more intuitive street network for everyday trips to stores, work, parks, and services.

▪Manage growth across several large undeveloped parcels over the next 10 to 20 years.

▪Ease congestion and improve circulation across the quadrant.

▪Prepare for added traffic from the new youth sports complex.

▪Address corridors already at or near capacity.

▪Reduce the barrier effect of US-131 and create safer, more intuitive east–west connections across the corridor.

The Township also thanks Township Engineer Sharon Lowhim, whose transportation and civil engineering expertise, and effective coordination with regional partners, helped secure the grant and will guide the study’s scope.

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About Oshtemo Charter Township:

Established in 1839, Oshtemo exists to advance the quality of life of all residents through a commitment to responsible growth and value-driven municipal services that promote the relationships among economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and social equity.

Editor’s Note: Three images are attached for your use, including:

▪GIS Map of Study Area.

▪Kalamazoo County Logo Color.

▪Oshtemo Logo Color.

For more information, please contact:

Rich Blair, Media & Communications Manager, Oshtemo Township

rblair@oshtemo.org | 269.585.4154

GIS Map of Study Area