People raised concerns about a proposed 3.5-mile rail expansion along Capital Avenue in St. Joseph County during a town hall meeting held by Councilman Andy Rutten.

The project would connect the Elkhart Western Railroad to the Canadian National Railroad in Granger, but it first requires a $966,000 pre-planning study to see if the route is feasible.

Federal grants would cover most of the cost, with local and private funds paying about 20%. Some people say they’re worried about public safety and the impact on the Penn Fire Department.

Commissioner Carl Baxmeyer says he’ll vote against the project, calling it the wrong place at the wrong time.

The study could come up for a vote later this year.