Michiganders may soon see renovations to their county parks. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is supporting $7.4M in park project grants to select counties.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have recommended money from Land and Water Conservation Fund grants be allocated towards the upgrades of 11 park projects across the state.
"The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a shining example of what’s possible when federal, state and local government partners come together to deliver real benefits for Michigan residents and visitors,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s $7.4 million in projects will improve facilities people use every day and support the outdoor recreation economy that brings billions in value and supports thousands of jobs across Michigan. Let’s keep working together to invest in Pure Michigan.”
The projects recommended for funding are in Alpena, Bay, Cass, Cheboygan, Ionia, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Marquette, Montcalm and Ottawa counties. That funding will support boardwalk, trail and park renovations and improvements, park pavilion and restroom development, lock and dam public water access and more.
Ottawa County received $242,900 for work on the Ottawa Sands County Park day-use restroom.
“Access to the outdoors is vital to the quality of life for everyone who lives here or visits here,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund, in addition to other important grant programs, broadens that access in meaningful ways, whether through expanded hiking trails, increased public water access, or better amenities like restroom renovations and welcoming pavilions at local parks. These grants are integral to connecting more people to our state’s uniquely Michigan outdoor experiences.”
Selected projects were scored and selected from a field of 18 grant applications seeking $8.6 million in local funding.
