Proposal Would Give City of Holland $300,000 for Non-Motorized Bridge
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board of trustees has recommended to the state legislature that 69 recreational development projects and land acquisitions totaling $24.7 million be funded in 2015.
Among the projects is $300,000 for a non‐motorized bridge across the Macatawa River.
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 year, the board recommended $18.2 million for acquisition grants and $6.4 million for development grants. Sixteen acquisition grants were awarded to local units of government for a total of $8.8 million, while nine acquisition grants went to the Department of Natural Resources for projects totaling $9.3 million. The Trust Fund board also recommended a total of $5.5 million in 40 development grants be awarded to local units of government while four DNR projects garnered a total of $940,000.
"This year’s recommended grants reflect the Trust Fund board’s strong engagement with local communities and add to Michigan’s world-class network of trails,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh.
- The $300,000 project in Holland would connect Holland's trail and pathway system to Holland Charter Township's 68 miles of trails via a non‐motorized bridge across the Macatawa River. The connection would include multiple recreational features and provide access to Windmill Island Gardens (a 36‐acre delta, wetland & cultural attraction), to Holland's Downtown and to the planned Macatawa Greenway Trail.
- A $50,000 project for Holland Charter Township would be used to construct a new picnic shelter with accessible picnic tables at Quincy Park. The shelter would be located near the existing parking area and connect to the existing barrier‐free trail and act as a trailhead.
The Trust Fund board's recommendations will go to the Legislature for review as part of the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature forwards a bill to the governor for his signature.
“Broader public access to plentiful, quality outdoor recreation opportunities plays a central role in Michigan’s economy and quality of life for residents and visitors,” said Gov. Rick Snyder.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund 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. Over the past 39 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.
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