Cyclists on Falling Waters Trail (JTV file photo)
More opportunities for quality outdoor recreation will be available for Jackson County residents in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants under legislation signed today by Gov. Rick Snyder.
“No matter where you are in Michigan, you’re never far from a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund-supported project,” said Gov. Snyder. “These important grants create better, broader access to public recreation opportunities for individuals and families in every county statewide.”
House Bill 5377, sponsored by state Rep. Jon Bumstead and co-sponsored by state Rep. Al Pscholka, approves funding for 70 recreation projects and land purchases recommended by the board last December. It is now Public Act 61 of 2016.
The Trust Fund board recommends funding to both state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions that will further access to public outdoor recreation. This round of grant funding includes support for expanding public access and athletic field enhancement at local parks; making land and water trail connections along existing trail corridors; furthering significant natural resource protection projects, and expanding waterfront and public boating access opportunities.
This year the board recommended $19.9 million for acquisition grants and $8 million for development grants. While there were no acquisition grants for Jackson County, the Governor approved $867,500 for development of these projects:
City of Jackson: $300,000 Fourth Street Connector Project
Development to construct 1/2 mile of trail that will tie into the City of Jackson’s Inter-City Trail, which is part of the Iron Belle Trail and is the main corridor that ties together regional trail systems in the Jackson area. The trail will connect to the popular Ella Sharp Park, a middle school, an elementary school, residential areas, and a small commercial district.
Jackson County, DNR: $300,000 Lakelands Trail Project, M-52 to Parnall Road
Development to improve 13 miles of the 23.5-mile Lakelands State Trail, which currently runs along a rail corridor between Jackson and Pinckney and is a part of the Iron Belle Trail and the Great Lake to Lake Trail. The portion of the trail included in this project is currently unimproved rail bed which is uneven and inconsistent for non-motorized use. The proposed project will consist of limestone and asphalt surfacing and bridge improvements for the purpose of enhancing accessibility for multiple types of users, and to bring the trail to current state and federal standards. The 13-mile stretch of trail traverses large tracts of agricultural land, woodlots, and wetlands that will provide wildlife viewing opportunities that otherwise could not be accessed, while transitioning into urban settings and connecting communities at both ends.
Jackson County: $173,500 Sparks Park Inter-City Trail Connector Project
Development to construct 1/2 mile of trail through a natural setting that includes wetlands, uplands, and wooded areas. The trail will connect to the Inter-City Trail on the south end and Sparks Park on the north end. The project will also include a parking lot on the north end and 250 feet of boardwalk with an observation deck in the wetland areas. The project will provide access to a natural area and wildlife viewing opportunities in an urban setting.
Jackson County, Summit Township: $94,000 Horton Road Trail Development
Development to construct 1/2 mile of trail that will connect to the existing Weatherwax Road Trail on the south end and the City of Jackson’s proposed Fourth Street Connector Development (TF15-0097) on the north end. The proposed trail traverses residential and commercial areas and will provide Township residents with a connection to the region’s trail network and various flagship parks like Ella Sharp Park and Sparks Park. The trail will also provide safe non-motorized access alternative to riding along a busy stretch of road in the Township.
In addition, the Governor approved $294,000 in funding for the City of Albion and the Albion River Trail Development Project. Development to construct 1 mile of trail at the hub of several regional trail networks, including the Iron Belle Trail, the Great Lake to Lake Trail, and the North County Trail. The trail will commence at the eastern terminus of the existing Albion River Trail in Victory Park, and will extend south through Albion College property that includes agricultural fields and a woodlot, and overlooks the Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center. The trail will exit through the Riverside Cemetery, where it will connect with M-99. The 10′-wide trail will provide access to scenic off-road portions of Albion College property while making an important connection with several regional trail networks.
Twenty-one acquisition grants were awarded to local units of government for a total of $15.2 million, while five acquisition grants went to the Department of Natural Resources for projects totaling $4.7 million. The Trust Fund board also recommended $6.5 million in development grants be awarded to 39 local units of government while five DNR projects garnered a total of $1.5 million.
“When a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant is awarded to a local unit of government, that funding brings economic, recreational and quality-of-life benefits to the surrounding community,” said DNR Director Bill Moritz. “Projects like these often have a real impact on local businesses, too.”
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals and can only be used for public outdoor recreation. Over the past 40 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1 billion to state and local units of government to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan.