INDIANAPOLIS — Senate Bill (SB) 228, which advances the Midwest Continental Divide Commission, passed unanimously in the Senate Appropriations Committee. State Sen. David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) issued the following statement after the vote:
“Following the passage of SEA 468 during the 2025 legislative session and the inclusion of funding in the state budget, the Midwest Continental Divide Commission is ready for implementation, and this bill helps move that work forward,” Niezgodski said. “This legislation, in conjunction with last year’s actions, paves the way for a regional trail system that will attract tourism, boost the local economy and promote outdoor recreation in the South Bend area.”
The proposed project would connect several existing attractions throughout St. Joseph County and the city of South Bend. When completed, the trail system would link eight lakes near the South Bend International Airport, the Michigan state line, the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, Potato Creek State Park, the city of South Bend, the towns of North Liberty, Lakeville, and New Carlisle, and the Pokagon Reservation.
“I appreciate the unanimous bipartisan support for this bill and look forward to continued collaboration as it moves through the legislative process,” Niezgodski said.
