Recent Announcements
The cost of engineering and construction for the Blue Star Trail is funded via donations raised by the Friends organization in combination with matching state and federal grants. To help us earn these grants, we must continue to build and confirm community support for the Blue Star Trail.
May, 2018
• We have submitted required applications for state/federal matching grants to fund the next Trail segments in Saugatuck TWP. A critical component of those applications is to demonstrate support of the communities along the route. Earlier this year we obtained updated endorsements from the governments of Saugatuck TWP, Douglas, Casco/Ganges, and Allegan County. However, as a pre-condition for Saugatuck City endorsement, they requested a solution for several concerns – most pressing being the safety/traffic impact at the Lake Street/Blue Star Highway intersection. To expedite the process, the MDOT grant coordinator suggested an interim route through Saugatuck may enable Saugatuck to endorse the Trail while providing time to develop a more optimal long-term solution. The interim route/endorsement letter proposal was not completed in time to be included on the May 30 Saugatuck City Council agenda, and some members of the Council indicate a preference for a permanent solution to an interim one. Following the meeting, the City and Friends rededicated themselves to jointly develop a long-term solution - this may cause a delay in approval of our grant applications and near-term construction. Our state/federal grant applications remain active and may be updated with new information as we proceed forward. The grant administrators continue to provide guidance, embrace the Trail plan, and are impressed with the demonstrated support we have for the Trail.
• Our annual fundraiser –A Toast to the Blue Star Trail - on June 11 in the Manor House at the South Haven Conference Center is now sold-out.
• The initial segment of the Blue Star Trail is officially opened in Saugatuck TWP! Many of you attended our May 20 Celebration (overcoming the inclement weather) for a ribbon-cutting, bicycle and gift certificate give-away, free gelato/popcorn/cotton candy, music by the South Haven H.S. Jazz Band, and camaraderie with many local residents supporting the Blue Star Trail. To read a recap and view pictures of the event, click on the following: Blue Star Trail Celebration
March, 2018
Saugatuck Township:
We are happy to report that the Saugatuck Township Board members unanimously approved resolutions in support of the planned next segments of the Blue Star Trail. This support is critical for the state and federal matching grant applications we will be submitting in the next few weeks. The first phase will extend the current completed segment south to the border of Saugatuck and north to connect with the existing Beeline trail to Holland. The second phase will extend south of Exit 36 to Fallen Leaf Trail.
February/March, 2018
Casco Township:
At its February trustees meeting, Casco Township approved its letter endorsing the Trailway. The letter highlighted the numerous ways the township supports the project. For several years, Casco Township has graciously allowed our Board members to meet in the Casco Township Hall and it has always been our legal address. Additionally, the Township’s Parks and Recreation Committee hosted a public hearing for the trailway project this past March. The Committee reiterated its support of the Trail project during the meeting as stated in its Park and Recreation 5 year plan.
February, 2018
Ganges Township:
During the open Board meeting, a motion was presented and such motion carried, to continue to support the construction, through Ganges Township, of the proposed non-motorized trail (which approved portion shall be owned solely by the County of Allegan, and not by Ganges Township). Additionally, the Board, in conjunction with the Allegan County Road Commission, supports the Friends' application for grant funds.
January, 2018
Allegan County:
After thorough review and due diligence, the Allegan County Commissioners unanimously passed a new resolution in support of the Blue Star Trail. The County will assume ownership of the Blue Star Trail in Ganges and Casco Townships. This twelve mile segment of the Trail will become a part of the County Parks system with funding for maintenance provided by Friends of the Blue Star Trail. For more background, the link below will take you to an article in the Commercial Record.
Allegan County updates ownership resolution for BST
• We have submitted required applications for state/federal matching grants to fund the next Trail segments in Saugatuck TWP. A critical component of those applications is to demonstrate support of the communities along the route. Earlier this year we obtained updated endorsements from the governments of Saugatuck TWP, Douglas, Casco/Ganges, and Allegan County. However, as a pre-condition for Saugatuck City endorsement, they requested a solution for several concerns – most pressing being the safety/traffic impact at the Lake Street/Blue Star Highway intersection. To expedite the process, the MDOT grant coordinator suggested an interim route through Saugatuck may enable Saugatuck to endorse the Trail while providing time to develop a more optimal long-term solution. The interim route/endorsement letter proposal was not completed in time to be included on the May 30 Saugatuck City Council agenda, and some members of the Council indicate a preference for a permanent solution to an interim one. Following the meeting, the City and Friends rededicated themselves to jointly develop a long-term solution - this may cause a delay in approval of our grant applications and near-term construction. Our state/federal grant applications remain active and may be updated with new information as we proceed forward. The grant administrators continue to provide guidance, embrace the Trail plan, and are impressed with the demonstrated support we have for the Trail.
• Our annual fundraiser –A Toast to the Blue Star Trail - on June 11 in the Manor House at the South Haven Conference Center is now sold-out.
• The initial segment of the Blue Star Trail is officially opened in Saugatuck TWP! Many of you attended our May 20 Celebration (overcoming the inclement weather) for a ribbon-cutting, bicycle and gift certificate give-away, free gelato/popcorn/cotton candy, music by the South Haven H.S. Jazz Band, and camaraderie with many local residents supporting the Blue Star Trail. To read a recap and view pictures of the event, click on the following: Blue Star Trail Celebration
March, 2018
Saugatuck Township:
We are happy to report that the Saugatuck Township Board members unanimously approved resolutions in support of the planned next segments of the Blue Star Trail. This support is critical for the state and federal matching grant applications we will be submitting in the next few weeks. The first phase will extend the current completed segment south to the border of Saugatuck and north to connect with the existing Beeline trail to Holland. The second phase will extend south of Exit 36 to Fallen Leaf Trail.
February/March, 2018
Casco Township:
At its February trustees meeting, Casco Township approved its letter endorsing the Trailway. The letter highlighted the numerous ways the township supports the project. For several years, Casco Township has graciously allowed our Board members to meet in the Casco Township Hall and it has always been our legal address. Additionally, the Township’s Parks and Recreation Committee hosted a public hearing for the trailway project this past March. The Committee reiterated its support of the Trail project during the meeting as stated in its Park and Recreation 5 year plan.
February, 2018
Ganges Township:
During the open Board meeting, a motion was presented and such motion carried, to continue to support the construction, through Ganges Township, of the proposed non-motorized trail (which approved portion shall be owned solely by the County of Allegan, and not by Ganges Township). Additionally, the Board, in conjunction with the Allegan County Road Commission, supports the Friends' application for grant funds.
January, 2018
Allegan County:
After thorough review and due diligence, the Allegan County Commissioners unanimously passed a new resolution in support of the Blue Star Trail. The County will assume ownership of the Blue Star Trail in Ganges and Casco Townships. This twelve mile segment of the Trail will become a part of the County Parks system with funding for maintenance provided by Friends of the Blue Star Trail. For more background, the link below will take you to an article in the Commercial Record.
Allegan County updates ownership resolution for BST
