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Marquette Greenway update: National Park Service permission, outreach events and $50,000 endowment goal met
Summary
Staff reported National Park Service permission to advance environmental steps on Marquette Greenway phase 1b, coordination with Norfolk Southern on local-match documentation, plans for public outreach events, and that a new Legacy Foundation endowment met its $50,000 challenge.
Burns Harbor officials provided an update on the Marquette Greenway project, reporting regulatory progress, planned public outreach and confirmation that a newly established endowment met its initial fundraising challenge.
Staff reported that SEH secured the National Park Service's permission to begin associated design, engineering and environmental work for Phase 1b of the trail. Staff also said Norfolk Southern asked to see documentation showing the town's payment of local match funds before the railroad completes its review.
The presenter said all current design, engineering and environmental work is being paid for locally while the grant will kick in at construction. The town is awaiting state reimbursement for some local costs. Staff added that partners plan a series of at least nine public education and outreach events tied to the trailhead and new river infrastructure, including a possible river run; staff said that idea proved to be too large a lift for the current grant but may be pursued later.
Separately, the presenter reported that work continues on a related dam-portage project for kayak launch and crossings under a CHI Cal fund effort involving Shirley Hines; federal and state coordination has slowed some access-related elements. Staff also noted they would follow up on a public question about cracked concrete near the trail and American Water's possible role and promised a report at the next meeting.
Commissioners also heard an update on a permanent endowment at the Legacy Foundation, the Friends of the Marquette Greenway Northwest Indiana Fund. The presenter said the group met — and exceeded — a $50,000 fundraising challenge so the initial $50,000 commitment will be received and the capital campaign will continue to grow the endowment for long-term trail maintenance.
