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).