City Council gives green light to pedestrian bridge project | News

NEW BUFFALO — The New Buffalo City Council, at its May 20 regular meeting, approved continued construction of the Galien River Pedestrian Bridge, parallel to the Whittaker Street Bridge.

Previously, Abonmarche submitted a proposal of $268,300 for the project.

“My goal is to build a pedestrian bridge, but I’m concerned about how we’re going to pay for it,” said City Council member Mark Robertson.

In fall 2023, the city received a $1,000,000 RAP 2.0 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. RAP 2.0, or the Revitalization and Placemaking Program, distributes $100 million in public funding to communities in need of investment to create and maintain beautification and development projects.

The RAP 2.0 grants were divided into three categories, and New Buffalo was one of 19 Michigan communities to receive the Public Space Place-Based Infrastructure Award, where funds are allocated for “improved infrastructure, public facilities and downtown improvements.”

According to Abonmarche, the New Buffalo Waterfront plan will support the city’s goal of redeveloping the waterfront area, ensuring that it continues to be a key part of the local economy and meets the needs and expectations of local residents.

At the April 3 groundbreaking ceremony for the Michigan portion of the Marquette Greenway, New Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey said construction of a side pier is expected to begin this fall, adding that the pier will serve anchor for the pedestrian bridge over the Galien River. . He also said April 3 that the first phase of shoreline improvements should also include the commercial expansion of the city’s municipal marina to allow access for larger watercraft.

Also on May 20, the contract for the Federal Channel dredging project was awarded to the lowest bidder, King Company, and Abonmarche “remains in frequent contact with the company.” Pending weather conditions and other projects, King is expected to begin work in New Buffalo on July 6, 2024, after completing dredging in Grand Haven and Manistee.

Dredging plans show clearly marked areas for beach nourishment areas; the city and Abonmarche are working with the Beach Nourishment Committee through the Great Lakes Coalition to better understand and address the problem of local beach erosion. The committee is actively involved in beach restoration and improving shoreline resilience throughout the region.

Furthermore, it was noted that the city’s municipal marina has undergone electrical improvements in recent months. The contract was awarded to J. Ranck Electric, Inc. in December 2023, and everything went well.

“The AEP inspection was completed without issue on May 14, and despite some underground issues, the project is on track to be completed before the end of May,” a message from Abonmarche states.