Commissioners terminate FRA study grant for Capitol Avenue Corridor, approve Microsoft-funded utility procurement advertising

St. Joseph County commissioners voted June 2 to notify the Federal Railroad Administration that the county will close out the CHRISSY grant for the Capitol Avenue Corridor rail expansion study, and to authorize the board president to sign necessary closeout documents.

Bill Shalio, economic development director, said after conversations with local elected officials, private stakeholders and residents staff concluded the county does not have broad enough support to continue the study. He told commissioners the county has not spent federal funds on the study and will begin closeout by sending a letter to the FRA and completing any additional documentation. Shalio said Patriot Railroad is aware of the planned closeout and is not applying in the current grant round.

Commissioners discussed risks of declining the grant, expressing concern that Patriot or other private parties could pursue future grant applications and reduce the county’s influence on project decisions. Staff said Patriot could apply privately in the future but currently is not in a position to move forward alone. The board then voted unanimously to approve the termination and delegate signature authority to the board president for closeout documents.

Separately, the board approved advertising procurement for the Capitol Avenue Corridor utility expansion package No. 1 (project W92602). Shalio said the work will bid long-lead items for waterline extension and other materials needed for a Microsoft project site, and that the funding comes from MOU number 1 between the redevelopment commission, the board of commissioners, the City of Mishawaka and Microsoft — not from TIF or county funds. The board set bid advertisement dates and scheduled a bid opening for June 23.