PORTAGE, MI — The city of Portage already assembled land for a new trail along Austin Lake. Now, it’s assembling funds.

The final cost won’t be set until contractor bids are returned in early 2026, but city officials are anticipating the project to cost over $6 million.

The city has already secured $4,132,473 in grant funding from the Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of Transportation, according to the city council’s Dec. 2 agenda packet.

MORE: With hopes of building $3M lakeside trail, Portage goes after state grants

Another $2,093,782 will come from the city’s capital improvement budget, documents show.

The 3-mile, non-motorized trail will stretch from Zylman Avenue to the city’s southern border. It’s expected to

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