South Bend City Council passes resolution urging pause on Midwest Continental Divide Trail

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Common Council passed a resolution 7-1 Monday night urging a pause on the proposed Midwest Continental Divide Trail.

The resolution, introduced by Councilman Dr. Oliver Davis, calls for halting the project while emphasizing additional public input and fiscal responsibility before any future planning efforts continue.

The proposed trail has drawn criticism from residents since legislation establishing a planning framework advanced through the Indiana General Assembly earlier this year.

Although the project ultimately failed to move forward before the St. Joseph County Council, some residents remain concerned it could be revived.

During Monday's meeting, opponents presented concerns about the proposed commission that would have overseen planning for the ecotourism destination, arguing it would have been granted excessive authority.

Much of the opposition has centered on language in the state legislation that residents say created uncertainty surrounding eminent domain, leaving some property owners worried they could lose control of their land.

Speakers also addressed questions about funding for the project.

Funds designated for the trail through the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians' revenue-sharing agreement with the state would not be forfeited if the project were paused. Instead, they argued, the funding could remain available until county leaders develop an alternative proposal.

During public comment, one speaker referenced the funding agreement, saying the Pokagon Band intended the money to support "education, economic and workforce development, tourism promotion, and public health," and argued the trail would instead direct those funds toward recreation.