Citizen Portal
Sign In

Council approves larger local match for Singing Sands Trail right-of-way acquisition

5140515 · July 3, 2025

Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts

Subscribe
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Council approved an increase in the city’s local match for right-of-way acquisition on phase 3 of the Singing Sands Trail after acquisition cost estimates rose from $240,000 to $320,000. Park superintendent Shannon Eason said federal funds will finance most construction and letting is planned for 2026 with completion in 2027.

The Michigan City Common Council on July 1 approved a resolution increasing the city’s local match for right-of-way acquisition for phase 3 of the Singing Sands Trail after acquisition costs rose.

Sponsor Councilman Dabney said right-of-way acquisition estimates increased from $240,000 to $320,000, raising the city’s 20% local match from $48,000 to $64,000. He said the additional $16,000 was already included in the 2025 budget.

Shannon Eason, parks superintendent and city trail manager, told the council the city’s segment of the Marquette Greenway will total roughly 6.5 miles and that the full project is estimated at about $20.5 million. Eason said federal funding (RAISE and other sources) will cover most construction costs; Michigan City’s local share has been reduced as additional federal funds became available. She said letting is expected in 2026 and project completion in 2027, after which construction contracting and engineering will be managed by the Northeast Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NERPC).

Council members praised Eason’s long-term management of the project and noted regional benefits from trail connectivity. The council voted to approve the additional match by roll-call (9–0).