Benton Harbor Seeks $22M to Fix Riverview Drive

City also exploring alternatives to offset ambulance service costs

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:15pm

A serene, painterly scene of a pothole-filled road in a small Midwestern city, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.The crumbling infrastructure of Riverview Drive in Benton Harbor reflects the city's ongoing struggle to maintain its critical transportation network.Benton Harbor Today

The city of Benton Harbor, Michigan is seeking $22 million in funding to repair Riverview Drive, a major thoroughfare in the city. Additionally, Benton Harbor commissioners are exploring alternative ways to offset the costs of the city's ambulance service, which has been a financial burden.

Why it matters

Riverview Drive is a crucial road in Benton Harbor, connecting residents to important community resources. The deteriorating condition of the road has become a major issue for the city. Meanwhile, the high costs of the city's ambulance service have strained Benton Harbor's budget, prompting officials to seek out alternative funding solutions.

The details

Benton Harbor officials say Riverview Drive is in dire need of repairs, with potholes and crumbling infrastructure making the road hazardous for drivers. The $22 million in requested funding would go towards a complete reconstruction of the road. Separately, Benton Harbor commissioners are exploring ways to offset the costs of the city's ambulance service, which has become a significant financial burden on the municipal budget.

  • Benton Harbor officials are currently seeking the $22 million in funding to repair Riverview Drive.
  • Benton Harbor commissioners are currently exploring alternatives to offset the costs of the city's ambulance service.

The players

Benton Harbor

The city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, located in the southwestern part of the state.

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What’s next

If the $22 million in funding is secured, Benton Harbor officials plan to begin the reconstruction of Riverview Drive. The city commissioners will continue to explore alternative funding solutions for the ambulance service in the coming months.

The takeaway

The deteriorating condition of Riverview Drive and the high costs of the city's ambulance service have become pressing issues for Benton Harbor. The city's efforts to secure funding and find alternative solutions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in maintaining critical infrastructure and public services.