The Midwest Continental Divide Commission, including the $40 million approved for the commission in the 2025 state budget, was an enormous win for South Bend and St. Joseph County.
I’ve listened to the voices of those present at many public meetings throughout our community, including residents who’ve contacted my office regarding this project and eminent domain concerns. I share those concerns, and I am thankful for those who have engaged in good faith and have their vision focused on the future of our region.
These discussions resulted in the removal of the ordinance from the St. Joseph County Council’s agenda, passage of a resolution by the South Bend Common Council calling for a pause, Mayor James Mueller vetoing that resolution due to incorrect interpretation of state law and the lack of council attorney review and the recent council override.
As the author of both SEA 228 and SEA 468, the legislation establishing the Midwest Continental Divide Trails Commission, I have been committed to collaboration and transparency every step of the way.
With that same spirit of transparency, I am compelled to set the record straight regarding the $40 million the General Assembly provided to the Commission.
The $40 million were derived from the Pokagon Band Tribal-State Compact Fund.
This fund, administered by the State Budget Agency, is not limited merely to St. Joseph County and is very specific how dollars can be spent. Through constructive bipartisanship, local legislators were able to successfully secure $2 million a year for 20 years for the Midwest Continental Divide Commission.
SEA 468 also provided that of the $30 million which had been appropriated to the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority in the 2023 Budget of the General Assembly, RDA expenditures could also be used to fund the Midwest Continental Divide Commission.
To date, the General Assembly has given St. Joseph County access to up to $70 million for the Midwest Continental Divide Commission.
What truly has been discouraging is hearing the discourse questioning the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s place in our community, having a seat on the commission and our shared commitment to a successful St. Joseph County.
As previously mentioned, $40 million would be directed to this project from the Pokagon Band Tribal-State Compact Fund which was negotiated in good faith by Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.
Beyond that funding source, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi meaningfully contribute to our community on a near-constant basis. Whether it is supporting our children’s hospital, local YWCA or our roads, the Pokagon Band has been a partner in the success of our community.
Though the commission has not been officially formed, meaning, not a single trail has been designated whatsoever; a Pokagon member would be an important voice in this project, and their representation on the commission should not be controversial.
The Midwest Continental Divide Trails Commission is a sincere attempt to create another lasting ecotourism opportunity for our residents and those coming here to visit, and to reap the vast health benefits that expanded outdoor recreational opportunities provide.
I believe a good number of people would like further recreational respite opportunities which they and their families can enjoy. South Bend and St. Joseph County already have so many incredible places to enjoy, such as the Four Winds Hotel and Casino, South Bend Cubs at Four Winds Field, The Indiana Dinosaur Museum, Potawatomi Zoo, Lydick Bog, Potato Creek State Park, the Ice Box, Byers Softball Complex and so many more.
However, this opportunity should be developed based on the input of the community it is intended to serve. It has always been my intent for the Midwest Continental Divide Commission to meet the needs and interests of the community I serve. There was never an intent to take someone’s farmland or anyone’s backyard. I will work with my colleagues next session to erase the words eminent domain from this incredible opportunity our community has before it.
Harsh words bring only disdain. At the end of the day, I hope civility can reign.
I am blessed to call South Bend and St. Joseph County my home, and I will always do my best to help make it a better home for us all.
State Sen. David Niezgodski represents Indiana Senate District 10.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Midwest Trail an ‘incredible opportunity’ for community | Opinion
Reporting by David Niezgodski, Guest columnist / South Bend Tribune
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By David Niezgodski, Guest columnist | USA TODAY Network
