Muncie's downtown canal gets a name

MUNCIE — The city's new downtown canal has a name and debut date.

The Muncie Sanitary District announced this week that the canal near Washington and Liberty streets near White River will be called Liberty Pass.

The block-long canal is a decorative feature that's also part of a $10-million sanitary district project to move storm water from downtown and the south side to White River on the north edge of downtown.

The canal — which opens up the last block of the otherwise underground stormwater route — is part of a city proposal to dramatically overhaul the surrounding stretch of riverfront to remove several existing buildings and, through public and private development, build new commercial and residential space. The city is seeking state funding from the Regional Cities Initiative for the overall $48-million riverfront project.

The sanitary district has announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication for Liberty Pass for 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at Washington and Liberty streets.

The name Liberty Pass was created by MSD administrator Nikki Grigsby, who said the canal's proximity to Liberty Street and the canal's role of "passing" stormwater to the river inspired the name.

Grigsby also noted that the riverfront development plan includes a proposed pedestrian bridge over the river that would connect downtown and the area to the west, including Ball State University, so the "pass" also implies that passage between the two areas.

Mayor Dennis Tyler said Thursday that the canal and the larger riverfront project could be "a game-changer."

"How that project connects downtown and Ball State is critical to development," Tyler said. "It's only eight blocks away from our new hotel and (Erskine Green) training center."

Tyler and sanitary district officials will speak at the Oct. 23 ceremony, Grigsby said.

Work on the canal is almost complete, Grigsby said. The canal is equipped with a pump that circulates stormwater through it to keep the water from stagnating.

Contact Keith Roysdon at 765-213-5828 and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.