Local leaders in Pokagon Township celebrate new bridge opening

CASS COUNTY, Mich. – Officials from the Pokagon Band, Pokagon Township, Cass County and MIDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) got together on Tuesday for a bridge dedication event held at the Pokagon Band’s government center in Dowagiac.

The bridge over the Dowagiac River on Sink Road opened on Tuesday.

“We really value the relationship we have with all of our partners,” Matt Wesaw said, a Pokagon Band Tribal Council member. “We have great government to government relationships and I think more things like this will occur pretty regularly.”

The bridge was under construction since May 28, and the reconstruction process was years in the making. Several government agencies were involved in the project.

Funds for the project were raised by the Pokagon Band Tribal Council.

Before reconstruction took place, the bridge was in desperate need of repairs.