Another bike trail, another delay.

Porter’s decade-long quest to break ground on a recreational hike/bike trail hit a snag again, this time a four-month delay trying to secure $125,000 in additional federal funding for the Orchard Pedestrian Way along Waverly Road.

Porter director of engineering Matt Keiser told the Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday, “It could happen tomorrow.” Then again, there’s no guarantee, he added.

“I’d hate to pass up $125,000,” said commission member Al Raffin.

President Bruce Snyder asked commission members to be prepared at the Aug. 10 meeting to decide how they want to proceed if federal authorization for the $125,000 is still outstanding.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is administering the trail project, which would begin at League Lane on Woodlawn Avenue and loop through Hawthorne Park.

The town years ago won a $1.3 million grant for the trail and more recently received a separate grant that led to a steel pedestrian bridge being built over the Little Calumet River adjacent to Waverly Road.

Now there are studies underway to link a planned Dunes Kankakee Trail from Indiana 49 to possibly the Orchard pedway, which originally was to terminate north of U.S. 20 but was shortened when land-owners along Waverly objected.

Snyder asked if the RDC could use its own money to keep the pedway moving and get reimbursed when the $125,000 is approved. Keiser said that’s not allowed under the program guidelines.

He noted engineering for a bridge over Interstate 94 and right-of-way acquisition of three properties both have been on hold pending a decision on the additional funds.

“Every time I drive over Waverly I cringe,” said Snyder. “One hundred twenty five thousand is $125,000 but we’ve maybe spent that much waiting.”

Porter also has experienced repeated delays and design changes with the planned Brickyard Trail on the town’s west side.

Posted 7/28/2010