Q: What is the Marquette Greenway?
A: The Marquette Greenway will be a 58-mile, non-motorized trail from downtown Chicago to downtown New Buffalo.
Q: What will the trail look like and how will it be used?
A: Most of the trail will be a 10-foot wide paved pathway allowing for both cyclists and walkers/joggers.
Q: What is the status of Marquette Greenway construction?
A: As of July 2018, 28 miles of the trail is built or has funding secured for construction. A portion of the trail will be built to the IN/MI state line by 2019 and will come to Michigan on Grand Beach Road.
Q: What is the timeline of the Michigan portion of the Marquette Greenway?
A: The expected timeline for the MI portion of the trail is:
2018/19 – apply for grant funding, finalize route and cost estimates, fundraising efforts
2019/20 – finalize engineering and permitting
2020/21 – construct 3.8 miles from the IN/MI state line to New Buffalo
Q: What is the status of funding for the Michigan portion of the Marquette Greenway?
A: We are currently working to secure funding and finalize the 3.8-mile route from the state line to downtown New Buffalo. In addition to applying for Federal, State, and private grants, we have already secured $300,000 from the Pokagon Fund, $150,000 from New Buffalo Township and $37,500 from the City of New Buffalo. Our additional fundraising goal is to raise $650,000 and your donations will help us to reach this target.
Q: What are the benefits of a non-motorized trail such as Marquette Greenway?
A: Trails have many benefits: increases property values; encourages better physical health and fitness; improves quality of life; and increases community pride and sense of regional character.
Click here to read the Report for Property Value/Desirability Effects of Bike Paths PDF
Q: How can I make a donation?
A: You can make a donation in either of the following ways to support the development of the Michigan portion of the Marquette Greenway:
● Make a donation online through this PayPal link
● Make a donation by mail to Friends of Harbor Country Trails, PO Box 371, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Q: How can I learn more about this and follow the Marquette Greenway’s progress?
A: You can follow the progress on Facebook – “The Marquette Greenway – Southwest Michigan” or on Friends of Harbor Country Trails website. If you would like to receive periodic emails sharing latest news and updates please email us at marquettegreenway@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.