Burns Harbor RDC commits $448,000 in TIP funds to Safe Streets for All grant application

The Burns Harbor Redevelopment Commission voted to include a supplemental planning activity in a Safe Streets for All implementation grant application and authorized a $448,000 commitment from Tax Increment Financing (TIP) funds to support the application and potential construction work.

Tina, staff member, told commissioners the supplemental planning would finance a route analysis to connect the Prairie Doonland Trail to the Marquette Greenway and to study safe connections from the neighborhoods of Portland's Landing, Trail Creek and The Villages to existing harbor trails and Lakeland Park. "So tonight, I would like to seek approval to include, under the supplemental planning activity, looking at route analysis that would connect Prairie Doonland Trail to the Marquette Greenway," Tina said.

The commission was provided project cost estimates: Tina said the total project cost is estimated at $2,200,000 and that the grant would cover 80 percent (stated in the packet as $1,700,000). The commission was asked to commit $448,000 in TIP funds as the local match. Tina told the commission the grant application is due June 26 and that, if awarded, the TIP commitment likely would be payable across multiple years because the grant remains open for five years and project work (planning, environmental review, engineering, construction) typically spans several years.

Commissioners discussed funding timing and TIP cash-flow. Tina said projected TIF balances through the plan period would cover the requested commitment if the grant is awarded, and noted the $448,000 would probably be spread over several years rather than paid immediately.

A motion to include the supplemental planning activity and to authorize the $448,000 TIP commitment was made, seconded and approved by roll call. The roll call in the record shows Commissioners Enslen, Chevalin, McGraw and Bozak voting yes.

The commission and staff also discussed seeking other funders and partners for specific improvements, and Tina named NERPC (as listed in the meeting packet) and noted potential roadway interfaces with State Route 149 and U.S. 20 as elements the route analysis could examine. Commissioners asked for a public presentation of key project points at a future meeting so the community can see planned trail connectors; staff said a presentation could be scheduled for the July 11 meeting and that the project materials would be posted on the town plans web page.

The vote authorizes staff to complete and submit the application with the supplemental planning activity and records the RDC's commitment of $448,000 in TIP funds toward the project if the grant is awarded.