Muncie's $48 million riverfront project 'on hold' for lack of funding

Mayor Dennis Tyler had hoped to attract developers and businesses to a swath of White River near City Hall in a project that not only included the Liberty Pass canal — a scenic stormwater feature that opened last year — but commercial and residential buildings and even a pedestrian bridge across White River.

But weeks after the city had asked for requests for proposals (RFPs) from potential developers, a city official told The Star Press on Thursday that the project is on hold.

The city did receive some proposals, Muncie Redevelopment Commission director Todd Donati said, "But those were suspended."

"It's not a dead issue," Donati emphasized. "It's on hold."

The reason? Lack of money to build the project.

"We were hoping to get Regional Cities funding," Donati said.