Y--The National Park Service will enter into a noncompetitive no-cost contract with the City of Portage, IN. - Construction and operation of a recreational beach development within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter, IN.

The National Park Service plans to award a non-competitive, no-cost contract to the City of Portage, Indiana, for a significant recreational development project within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The City of Portage will fully fund the project, which involves rehabilitating an existing breakwater into a combined fishing and civil pier, constructing a 2,500 square-foot building to serve as meeting rooms, classrooms, and restrooms, and developing comprehensive infrastructure including an 1,800 linear foot riverwalk, access roads, utilities, parking for 125 vehicles, and hiking and biking trails. The overall project budget is estimated between $3,000,000 and $5,500,000. This contract marks a collaborative effort between the National Park Service and the City of Portage, with the official award expected around October 22, 2007. The City of Portage encourages both large and small businesses to reach out for construction documents and specifications, with points of contact available at Portage City Hall. This acquisition highlights a strategic, locally funded investment to enhance recreational facilities and public amenities within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore area.