Yeah, when you put the numbers into perspective, it is a small start. The planning and funding procurement efforts can be expensive and time consuming, and the money allocated will probably only cover that portion. But Kresge likes to invest in sustainability projects and probably believes that the long term benefits will outweight the short term costs, even if it's a billion dollars of other peoples money.

I will be speaking with reps from Kresge about another project in the near future, and i will inquire as to who the lead is regarding the financing, and what their future funding parameters are.

Who or what benefits from this more is a matter of opinion. But I do wonder why this digging project would cost a bill. Seems kinda high to me...