Saginaw council approves submitting MDOT grant application to complete downtown segment of Iron Bell Trail, pledges $438,327 match

The Saginaw City Council voted to authorize staff to submit a Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program grant application for the Iron Bell Trail North Connector Project and committed a 40% city match of participating costs — $438,327 — if the application is successful.

The project would fill a roughly 0.3‑mile gap through downtown Saginaw to link the Iron Bell Trail from the Milwaukee Township area to Vassar, crossing the Saginaw River and passing under three bridges. Wayne Hoffman, a consultant for public services with Wade Trim, told council the grant is federal funding administered by MDOT and that the application is due Feb. 19; MDOT typically notifies applicants in the second quarter whether projects are funded.

Hoffman said the application team recommends a 40% city match to be competitive statewide and described the proposed route and likely construction constraints. "This would basically connect from the Milwaukee township all the way to Vassar," Hoffman said, noting the connector would cross the river, run under three bridges and include sections where bicycles and cars will share the roadway because existing bridges and street widths preclude a separated path. He said MDOT would not pay for certain amenities such as signs and that participating costs (the portion eligible for the grant) and the city share are distinct.

Why it matters: closing the short downtown gap would create a continuous regional trail used by pedestrians and cyclists and improve nonmotorized access through downtown, a factor MDOT reviewers weigh in the competitive Transportation Alternatives Program.

Key details from the presentation and council discussion - Project scope: roughly 0.3 miles through downtown, connecting existing Iron Bell Trail segments across the Saginaw River to the west side. The route would run across Water Street, past the SVRC Marketplace and under the Genesee Street, Johnson Street and a third bridge. - Design constraints: where bridges and narrow streets prevent a separated multiuse path, the plan calls for "share the road" segments. Hoffman said some sidewalks would be widened where feasible but that certain bridge approaches likely cannot be widened without major bridge work. - Schedule: application due Feb. 19; MDOT award notifications expected in Q2. If funded, construction could be as early as 2026 or as late as 2029 depending on MDOT programming. - Costs: the presentation estimated total participating project cost at about $1,095,817; the recommended city share (40% of participating costs) is $438,327. Hoffman said MDOT will fund eligible participating costs but not all site amenities and signage.

Council members pressed staff on safety and design details. Councilwoman Hammond asked whether the under‑bridge sections would be lit and said cleanup and lighting were important for public safety; staff and the presenter said final design and lighting details would be part of later design work and public engagement. Council members also asked about expected trail widths and how the project would treat narrow sidewalk segments on Johnson Street and Water Street.

Council action and next steps Council approved a resolution authorizing staff to submit the MDOT TAP grant application and committing the city share. The motion was adopted by voice vote; the meeting record shows the resolution passed but does not record individual roll‑call tallies. Council members and staff said the city match would come from non‑general‑fund transportation dollars (the Major Street Fund per Public Act 51), and staff said they will return with further design and public‑engagement details if the project advances.

Votes at a glance (other actions at the meeting) - Research agreement: Approved a research agreement with the University of Michigan to evaluate the HELP program; University of Michigan’s portion is $40,000 (funded from an existing grant). Approved by voice vote. - Real property transfer: Approved transfer of city property at 418 North Franklin Street to the Saginaw County Land Bank for $1. Approved by voice vote. - Zoning ordinance: Adopted an ordinance amending the official city map to rezone 2419 Mackinac Street from B‑1 (Local Business) to R‑3 (Low‑Density Multiple Dwelling). Adopted by motion and approved. - MDOT cost agreement: Approved MDOT cost agreement 24‑5490 for preventative maintenance of the Court Street Bridge. Approved by voice vote. - Community event resolutions: Approved resolutions authorizing amplifying equipment and the sale/consumption of alcoholic beverages at specified community events for 2025. Approved by voice vote.

What council members and staff said they will do next Staff will submit the TAP application by the Feb. 19 deadline. If MDOT selects the project, the city will be responsible for the committed match; staff said they would return with finalized design details, a public‑engagement plan and programming information once MDOT awards and assigns a construction year.