Kama Ross, a retired forester and Leelanau County Commissioner, is advocating for Black Locust wood for the Leland Dam pedestrian bridge. She criticizes current bids using Ipe or Thermally Modified Ash, emphasizing Black Locust’s sustainability and durability. Support from local businesses reinforces her campaign for this environmentally friendly option, despite concerns from project officials.
This memorandum summarizes the bid results for the Leland Dam Pedestrian Bridge repair project, conducted on September 27, 2024. Machin Engineering reviewed bids from various contractors. The board requested a review of composite products and walnut, aiming for sustainability. However, the firm advises against composite materials due to safety concerns and suggests Ipe or Thermally Modified Ash.
On October 15, 2024, the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, led by Chairman Ty Wessell, convened to discuss the Leland Dam Walkway and Railing Project. The Board ultimately voted 4-2 to accept Easling Construction’s bid of $108,646 for Ipe, a South American product, opting for this choice after evaluating alternatives.
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), established in 1954, has seen remarkable growth, with over 600,000 passengers in recent years. Serving the Traverse City region, it offers non-stop flights to 20 popular U.S. destinations and is serviced by major airlines such as Allegiant, American, Delta, and United, positioning it for continued success in air travel.
The Northwest Regional Airport Authority plans to finance a $112,840,000 capital project via revenue bonds, starting in 2026. The project, aimed at expanding the terminal and apron, will involve a combination of federal grants, local funds, and bond proceeds. Secured by airport revenues, the bonds may benefit from a county pledge to enhance credit ratings.
The Northwest Regional Airport Authority, Grand Traverse County, and Leelanau County held a joint special session on October 14, 2024 to discuss the Terminal Expansion Project at the Cherry Capital Airport. The meeting included a presentation on the project, approval of bonds, and closing remarks from the chairpersons, marking a significant step forward for the expansion.
The Northwest Regional Airport Authority (NRAA) is seeking to enhance the facilities at Cherry Capital Airport through a Terminal Expansion Project, which includes the addition of five new gates and various supportive amenities. This renovation aims to expand the airport’s functionality by improving passenger experiences with new concession areas, a larger security checkpoint, and enhanced passenger boarding facilities.
The Leland Township Board held a regular meeting on October 14, 2024, approving key items including the purchase of a new fire department truck for $660,000 and the transfer of the Munnecke property for library repairs. A public hearing on the Sunset Shores project is set for November 11, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Leelanau Township faces challenges from shoreline erosion along Lake Michigan, essential to its economy. The proposed Master Plan Chapter 5 emphasizes adaption strategies, including zoning adjustments and enhanced wetland preservation. It argues for a balance between protecting investments and the natural environment, advocating against shoreline armoring while promoting natural vegetation to mitigate flooding impacts.
The economic landscape of Leelanau Township is multifaceted, with tourism being the predominant economic driver. The 2015 report by Networks Northwest emphasizes enhancing the business climate, talent attraction, and community asset strengthening. Nature-based tourism, eco-tourism, food tourism, cultural tourism, and agritourism each uniquely contribute to the local economy, particularly through the region’s natural attractions.
