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RDC authorizes FH Passion contract signature for Marquette Greenway; commissioners press for clarity on $3.4M local match
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Summary
The Burns Harbor Redevelopment Commission authorized its president to sign the FH Passion construction contract for Marquette Greenway Phase 1b after staff outlined a $5 million state grant and an estimated $8.4 million project cost, leaving a $3.4 million local match. Commissioners voiced concern about the timing and certainty of local funding.
The Redevelopment Commission authorized President Roseanne Bozak to sign the FH Passion construction contract for Marquette Greenway Phase 1b after staff said the town had secured a $5,000,000 state construction grant but still needs to cover about $3,400,000 in local matching funds.
The authorization came after staff described project milestones and financing: a $5 million Next Level Trails grant, a state disbursement plan of two $2.5 million payments (one upfront and one at roughly 50% completion), and a current total estimated project cost of about $8.4 million. Staff said the state grant is under review for an extension through June 2027 and that the contractor's schedule documents showed earlier completion dates that will be reconciled once the extension is finalized.
Commissioners pressed staff on the timing and source of the local match. Commissioner Enslen said his "biggest concern" was that "once this contract [is] signed, it means we owe them the money, and we don't have the money yet," calling for clarity before obligating the town. Staff replied that the RDC expects to use available TIF/TIP funds and that Baker Tilly, the RDC's financial advisor, is helping evaluate options including low-cost loans or bonding.
Staff also told commissioners that tree clearing for Phase 1b began and that trees were felled prior to the state VAP deadline (March 31). They reported more trees at or above 5 inches in diameter were removed than were shown on the plan, removal is temporarily delayed because of wet conditions, and the contractor will repair damage to Stanley Street. A portion of an already-completed segment of trail near the Westport site will be closed with cement barricades while construction proceeds.
The commission debated whether the construction contract documents reflected the grant extension; staff said the contract circulated to commissioners still showed an earlier contractor schedule (substantial completion and final payment dates) and that the documents will be updated after state approval of the extension. A motion to authorize President Roseanne Bozak to sign the contract passed on a roll-call vote recorded in the meeting (three in favor, one opposed). Commissioners asked staff to provide updated schedules and confirmations of funding sources before larger disbursements and final payments.
The commission did not change the financing plan at the meeting; staff said they will coordinate with the clerk/treasurer to accept state payments into RDC accounts and will continue working with Baker Tilly to assess TIF capacity and borrowing options. The RDC also asked staff to continue dialogue with affected property owners about local access and a proposed swing gate at the end of Stanley Street.
The commission's next steps are to finalize any contract schedule changes after state authorization of the grant extension and to keep commissioners updated on cash-flow planning and any additional project-related purchase orders.
