The Grand Vision study began in July... but, in just a few weeks, organizers will find out if Leelanau, Benzie, Wexford, Antrim and Kalkaska counties will be included.
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GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY -- But-- the project faces some issues before it can officially incorporate some of those counties. Matt Skeels, the director of TC-Talus says, " due to some problems with the federal language that allows us to use transportation funds, we couldn't expand to the adjacent 5 counties." That's why the director of the Traverse City Transportation and Land Use Study says they need to get the federal language amended.
The Grand Vision project is set to take a look at the future of transportation and land use within the 5 county Grand Traverse region for the next 50 years. But first, they need to see if the other counties are interested in joining and willing to foot part of the bill. Skeels says, " that's the process we're in now is going out to the county commissioners and talking to them, making presentations just to determine if they're interested and if they're willing to assist with the funding."
Now--organizers say counties interested in participating could have their county board's approve it and need to provide 6-thousand dollars over 2 years to the project. But--organizers are still waiting to see who will be participating. Skeels also adds, " due to the, to our consultants and our current time schedule, we really need to know whether the counties are in by January 31st."
Once the project organizers know which counties will participate, they will hold another public forum to see what people would like to see the area become. In the end, it will be community members who decide what they would like to see in it's future.
