PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – After finally acquiring the necessary land, the City of Portage is proceeding with construction of the Austin Lake Trail.
When complete, the paved non-motorized trail will span three miles along the east shore of Austin Lake, down to the southern border of the city. The former railroad track was owned by Eastshore LLC for more than 40 years.
The city originally paid $139,650 for the property under the power of eminent domain, but a dispute over the fair value led them to eventually pay $1.5 million. The city council approved the additional $1.36 million at their meeting this week.
The Portage City Council approved spending $378,595 on trail design work in August 2024. The total project is expected to cost more than $6 million, with the city paying $2.4 million and the remaining funds coming from grants.
City Manager Pat McGinnis says tree removal will begin this winter and the trail is expected to be completed in 2027.
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