PORTER -- Porter's slowly evolving bike path took a few more steps Tuesday night, but it wasn't clear if they were steps forward or sideways.

The town's redevelopment commission, which oversees the project, said it would seek permission to complete the project in phases, upon the recommendation of the project's engineer. If a phased plan is approved, sections of the 3.5 mile trail that are not in dispute can start construction.

Approval for a phased plan is necessary from the Federal Highway Administration, which is contributing 80 percent of the approximately $2.4 million estimated cost of the trail.

If it is not approved, the commission will need to decide soon on a downtown route and set the project in motion.

On Tuesday, commission President Bill Sexton said the previously approved downtown route along Indiana Avenue was still open to discussion and better suggestions. Three alternatives to Indiana Avenue were being looked at, he said, as the commission sought the least invasive route.

Several downtown residents again voiced their opposition to the path running through their yards on Indiana Avenue. An 8-foot wide path along the public rights of way would leave them with little yard and safety concerns, they said.

The trail must touch the downtown area, under provisions of the grant.

"We'll listen to suggestions, we haven't decided yet," Sexton said.

Meanwhile, the commission announced a contest to name the trail. Entry forms will be available next week and due by Sept. 30, with winners to be named at the Oct. 12 meeting.

Brian Williams can be reached at [email protected] or (219) 462-5151, ext. 348.