Politics & Government
Get Out! Michigan’s Trail System Poised for $27.6 Million in Improvements
Several projects in southeast Michigan will be funded as a result of legislation signed last week by Gov. Rick Snyder.
Gov Rick Snyder signed legislation last week authorizing $26.6 million in grants 44 recreational projects and 32 land acquisitions.
Senate Bill 780, sponsored by Sen. Darwin Booher (R-Evart), authorizes the grants from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund, MLive/The Lansing News reports.
About half of the money will be used to develop and maintain trails across the state and help "link existing corridors, boost tourism, stimulate local economies and ultimately continue Michigan's comeback,” Snyder said in a statement.
Find out what's happening in Wyandottewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The legislation includes $300,000 for initial development projects related to the proposed Belle Isle to Wisconsin Showcase Trail, a project Snyder has proposed that would connect 924-miles of trail running from Detroit to Ironwood.
Some projects in southeast Michigan include:
Find out what's happening in Wyandottewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Wayne County: $3.4 million for the city of Detroit to acquire 8.3 miles of an abandoned Conrail railroad corridor in Detroit and Highland Park, which is part of a larger 26-mile Inner Circle Greenway initiative in Detroit.
Oakland County: $3.3 million for the Department of Natural Resources to acquire a 291-acre parcel with frontage on Young Lake in the Holly Recreation Area to access for ice-fishing and hunting.
Oakland County: $50,000 for the city of Clawson to add family restroom facilities and an access path at Grant Park, used for youth soccer.
Genesee County: $220,500 for Davison Township to develop a nature trail trail along Kearsley Creek and improvements at R. Williams Nature Park.
Genesse County: $225,000 for a development project at McKinley Park for waterfront access improvements on Thread Lake and a new playground.
Livingston County: $125,400 for Lakelands Trail Access improvements in Hamburg Township.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, considered the largest program of its type for trail development projects. was established 1976 and made part of the state constitution in 1985.
It is funded through oil and gas royalties and use is restricted to outdoor recreation projects and land acquisition for that purpose. More than $175 million in trail
See the full list of projects authorized in the legislation. >>>Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
