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Michigan City Port Authority authorizes up to $5,000 to light catwalk purple for Overdose Awareness Day
Summary
At its July 20 meeting the Michigan City Port Authority voted to authorize up to $5,000 to install temporary purple lighting on the pier catwalk for International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31), with staff and officers authorized to finalize details if costs rise.
The Michigan City Port Authority voted July 20 to authorize up to $5,000 to install temporary purple lighting on the pier catwalk for International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
The chair told the board the mayor’s office requested the lighting and the board discussed options intended to reduce labor and cost, including mounting rope-style LED lights along the catwalk instead of hanging fixtures from ladders. A vote to proceed with the purchase passed by voice vote.
The authority discussed timing around the Great Lakes Grand Prix and the upcoming boat races; members said contractors and staff expect to begin site work after the events so lighting installation would occur in August. Zach, a staff member coordinating logistics, said he had searched supplier pricing. "I did a quick search, 1,100 feet of LED rope lighting, economy grade would be about $8.25," he said, adding mid- and premium-grade options were more expensive.
Public commenter Scott Malone urged caution on costs and environmental effects, saying, "This is what you call an unfunded mandate... you need more illumination... it's not gonna turn things purple," and warned about impacts to dark‑sky viewing.
Board members discussed safety and installation methods, and one member proposed an initial authorization of $3,000 before expanding the cap. The board ultimately captured $5,000 as the authorization and directed that the board chair and treasurer work with Tim (staff) to finalize purchases and funding if the cost estimate rose above that amount.
The board approved the motion by voice vote. Staff will proceed with procurement and installation logistics ahead of Aug. 31, contingent on material availability and safety precautions.
