The city of Buchanan has received a grant from the American Electric Power Foundation to help residents have better access to the St. Joseph River. The $33,500 grant was approved by the AEP Foundation upon the recommendation of Indiana Michigan Power to help fund the Buchanan/St. Joseph River Public Access Strategic Plan. Buchanan Community Development Director Richard Murphy says with the project, the city is “doubling down on our public access and enjoyment of our natural resources, the St. Joseph River, and adjacent wilderness.” Abonmarche will help the city create plans that could include improved access roads, a boardwalk system, kayak and boat launches, fishing docks, parking, restrooms, and ecological restoration efforts. The city says it has an opportunity to create a “Mini-National Park type-experience on Buchanan’s riverfront.” The AEP grant will help it seek additional recreation grants.
