Chamber reallocates MDOT funds for visitor center

Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce President Vickie Ledsworth said the chamber has reallocated $300,000 in Michigan Department of Transportation mitigation funds to the city of Port Huron for the purpose of building a visitor center on land near the I-94 eastbound exit at Pine Grove Avenue. According to a news release from Ledsworth, “The chamber recognized the need for a regional visitor center in a highly visible area near the interstate and border crossing to distribute tourism and community information.” Once approved by City Council and the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, City Manager Bruce Brown said the city plans to use the money to buy the current bureau office building near the Thomas Edison Inn, and will then move the building to the new site. Marci Fogal, president of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the new Port Huron visitor center would provide information for the entire Blue Water area.