Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board Recommends 99 Development and Acquisitions Projects Totaling $39.6 Million
Upper Peninsula, Michigan – The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board of Trustees today recommended to Michigan Legislature that 99 recreation development projects and land acquisitions all around the state totaling $39,665,200 be funded in 2012. The board this year had considered 145 applications for development and acquisition projects totaling $63,748,000, which were competitively evaluated based on scoring criteria developed by the MNRTF board.
The Trust Fund board can recommend funding for both development projects and acquisitions to local and state agencies. This year, the Trust Fund board awarded 63 percent of its funding ($14,835,800) available for acquisitions to local units of government, and 37 percent ($8,775,000) to the Department of Natural Resources. For recreational development projects, the board recommended 93 percent ($14,854,400) of the available funding for projects proposed by local units of government, and just 7 percent ($1.2 million) for projects proposed by the DNR.
From here, the recommendations go to the Michigan Legislature for their review and to go through the appropriations process. The Legislature will then forward a bill to the Governor for his approval. Typically, this part of the process is completed by the end of the summer following the Trust Fund Board’s recommendations.
Upper Peninsula Recommendations
Bates Township (Iron County) is recommended to receive $155,900 for improvements to Bates Township Park to include universally accessibility for the existing pavilion, restrooms and development of a fishing pier.
City of Bessemer (Gogebic County) is recommended to receive $279,900 to develop the Ethnic Commons and Regional Range trailhead, including cultural and interpretive signs, flagpoles, greenspace, a gazebo, site furnishings, kiosk, pedestrian lighting, trees and landscape.
Calumet Township (Houghton County) is recommended to receive $29,000 for trail improvements at the Calumet Lions Park.
City of Gaastra (Iron County) is recommended to receive $64,200 to develop restroom facilities with a storage area near an existing ball and soccer field.
Eagle Harbor Township (Keweenaw County) is recommended to receive $498,000 to acquire 320 acres of property to add to the Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor for conservation and recreational access.
Negaunee Township (Marquette County) is recommended to receive $202,700 to acquire 176.84 acres to preserve and extend the township’s non-motorized trail system.
Upper Peninsula Eco-Regional Land Consolidation is recommended to receive $950,000 to acquire various properties within the Upper Peninsula to improve DNR ownership by eliminating in-holdings within DNR project areas.
City of Hancock (Houghton County) is recommended to receive $262,500 to develop 382 feet of universally accessible boardwalk in the Navy Street Park.
Interior Township (Ontonagon County) is recommended to receive $43,500 to improve accessibility at Abbot Fox Community Park, to include walkways, parking areas, a fishing/observation deck, picnic tables, grills, benches and signage.
City of Ironwood (Gogebic County) is recommended to receive $295,900 for improvements to Depot Recreation Park and Trailhead, including non-motorized trail, construction of a pavilion with restroom facilities, pathways, parking lot, playground equipment, pedestrian lighting, outdoor furnishings, site amenities, landscaping and a kiosk.
Manistique Township (Schoolcraft County) is recommended to receive $73,100 to provide barrier-free beach access at the township park. The project includes a new
playground surface, boardwalk, viewing platform, changing building, interpretive signage, beach access path, pavilion and bike rack.
Village of Newberry (Luce County) is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop the Tahquamenon Outdoor Recreation Complex to include a synthetic ice skating and hockey facility and associated site improvements.
Watersmeet Township (Gogebic County) is recommended to receive $276,800 to restore and upgrade the south section of the Agonikak National Recreation Trail for non-motorized use, completing a 13-mile trail from Watersmeet Township to Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin.
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