Congressman Pete Visclosky announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a construction contract of $3,204,972.94 for the ecosystem restoration work of 80 acres in the City of Portage lakefront area.
“This award is a significant milestone in our continued efforts to recapture our Lake Michigan shoreline for public use and to enhance economic opportunities throughout our region. Today’s announcement is possible due to the public/private partnership between the City of Portage, led by Mayor James Snyder, the Portage Park Foundation, the federal government represented by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Steel to expand and improve the footprint of the Portage Lakefront Park,” Congressman Pete Visclosky said.
"Working with our partner, the City of Portage, we have designed a project to help restore a significant portion of the Lake Michigan waterfront in northwest Indiana," U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commander Col. Christopher Drew said. "With the award of this contract, we look forward to beginning construction next year."
“The City of Portage continues to reap from Congressman Visclosky's Marquette Plan and his tenacity to see that vision come to reality. Portage and Northwest Indiana residents are going to have more access and be able to enjoy the beautiful lakefront and landscape The Lord has blessed us with,” said Mayor James Snyder, City of Portage.
“Reclaiming the Lakeshore is a long-term commitment. But this is another example of how we are doing it, inch by inch, acre by acre. This will be a great enhancement for the City of Portage,” said State Senator Karen Tallian.
About the Project:
Ecosystem Restoration of 80 acres in Portage, IN. Habitats include Wet Mesic Oak Woodland, Mesic Oak Woodland, Oak Savanna, Wet Mesic Prairie, Mesic Prairie, High Dune, Dune and Wet Woodland. Techniques utilized will be girdling in place, under-story clearing, planting, controlled burns and invasive plant eradication. Dune rebuilding will occur for 9.5 acres through on-site cut and fill with the excess material being placed for a separate dune restoration. Additional wet woodland acreage in the southern area will be terraced upland from the river.
