The Grand Rapids City Commission Community Development Committee approved a purchase agreement to acquire property from DGRI for up to $460,000 to build a new section of the Grand River's Edges Trail East.

City staff said the property purchase will allow the trail to cross railroad tracks and reconnect to the river's edge, creating a path between Leonard Street and Ann Street. Construction for this segment is expected to begin later this fall.

Officials described the land acquisition as part of a broader trail effort funded by a $55,000,000 state grant that uses American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The city noted that ARPA was passed in 2021 and that the expenditure deadline for these funds is the end of 2026.

The transcript records the committee's approval but does not include the vote tally or contract contingencies such as required railroad crossing permits or grant-condition reporting. The item advances property acquisition steps necessary to proceed with design and construction; staff did not provide additional details in the recorded summary about easement terms, environmental review, or coordination with railroad owners.