Traverse City seeks U.S. grant for pedestrian tunnel

TRAVERSE CITY (AP) -- A divided Traverse City Commission has voted to seek a $3.5 million federal stimulus grant for transportation projects that include a proposed pedestrian tunnel that is part of a hotel project in Traverse City's Warehouse District. The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that Mayor Chris Bzdok continues to oppose the proposed tunnel under Grandview Parkway, citing its rising cost. He says the estimate rose from $1.1 million to $2.3 million in September and now stands at $2.5 million. The commission recently voted 4-3 to seek the federal money, which also would support other projects. That followed an Oct. 14 vote against applying for the grant over concerns about the cost of relocating municipal power equipment. Published: Wed, Nov 2, 2011