Board approves MOU tied to $20M regional Lilly Endowment gift; Gary to receive up to $8M for two spur trails

Redevelopment staff outlined a Memorandum of Understanding with the Legacy Foundation and partner community foundations related to a $20,000,000 Lilly Endowment gift for the Northwest Indiana Thrive Initiative. Redevelopment staff said Gary’s project estimate is $2,000,000 for the Gary Metro Spur Trail and up to $6,000,000 for the Miller Beach Spur Trail as part of the regional $20,000,000 program. The MOU requires permits, right-of-way reviews and public engagement; staff confirmed that the city’s public works and engineering departments will retain review authority.

Board members asked whether funding is provided up front or by reimbursement; staff said the funding is reimbursement-based and that the Legacy Foundation and partners will manage community meetings and project briefings. After discussion and clarifications on permits and public meetings, the board approved the MOU by roll call (4 yes, 0 no).