Muncie's downtown canal gets a name: Liberty Pass

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.