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Commission OKs $144,000 SEAL allocation for Ashman Creek Trail amid concerns about fund depletion
Summary
The commission approved $144,000 from the SEAL operating fund to reimburse Outouse Consortium for the Ashman Creek Trail’s initial construction; one commissioner dissented, citing worry that spending could deplete available SEAL expendable funds.
The Sault Ste. Marie City Commission approved a $144,000 allocation from the SEAL operating fund to reimburse the Outouse Consortium for the first phase of the Ashman Creek Trail System on Monday, despite objections from one commissioner and concern from several residents about the long-term balance of the fund.
Outouse representatives and consultants described the project as an approximately $895,000 effort featuring concentric loops: an inner crushed-rock accessible trail (6–8 feet wide) suitable for multi-season use and outer single-track beginner and intermediate mountain-bike loops. Consultant John Shouy said trail design minimized wetland and stream impacts and included permitting work and wetland delineations.
Outouse said earlier engineering and design work totaled roughly $52,000 and that partners such as Little Traverse Conservancy had committed additional support. Outouse members said the engineering step made it easier to approach grantmakers and donors with a concrete plan.
Public commenter Suanne Wilks urged caution, arguing the SEAL trust’s donors intended careful distribution of funds to multiple projects and saying she feared a single project could consume the available distributable funds. "Please take a moment before you spend every bit of this money on one project and think about the others in the community and the SEALs," she said.
Commissioner Habusta voted no and said he was concerned about authorizing $144,000 when federal EDA and other grant constraints, investment returns and projected disbursements had not been fully reconciled. Commissioners who voted yes pointed to the recommendation from the parks board, the project’s match potential and the ability to leverage the allocation for future grant applications.
What happens next: the $144,000 is to be used as reimbursement to Outouse per project invoices; staff will report back on fund balances and any grant-matching progress. Outouse said the SEAL allocation will help secure outside grants that often require local match.
Provenance: Discussion and vote occurred during business item G6; public commenters and Outouse speakers provided project details during the same agenda item.
