LANSING, Mich. — Senate Appropriations Minority Vice Chair Jon Bumstead this week voted in support of a Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) bill to invest $45 million in public land acquisitions and recreational development projects across Michigan.
“For 50 years, the Natural Resources Trust Fund has invested in forward-thinking projects that help protect our shared natural resources and enhance the quality of life for all Michigan residents at no cost to taxpayers,” said Bumstead, R-Norton Shores. “These restricted funds will help enhance our outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities by improving local parks and trails and enabling people of all ages and of all abilities to enjoy the great outdoors in our beautiful state.”
Senate Bill 829 would authorize the NRTF to release $45 million in restricted funds to support 60 development projects and 15 land acquisitions across the state, including the following six projects in Benzie and Muskegon counties:
- $730,200 to the city of Muskegon for a $973,600 acquisition of two acres adjacent to Hartshorn Municipal Marina, Hartshorn Park and the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail for expanded public use and recreation. Developments could include hundreds of new residential units within a short walking distance, and the site would provide an expanded urban park amenity on Muskegon Lake.
- $400,000 to the city of Montague for a $684,400 project to improve Cullen Field Park for greater ADA accessibility to the existing park with enhancements that include a paved parking lot with dedicated ADA parking spaces, a paved gathering area for seating and trailside activities, lighting and native plantings. A paved ADA pathway will provide an access point to the existing Hart-Montague Trail and to the proposed pickleball courts and gathering area.
- $400,000 to the village of Fruitport to go toward a $535,000 development in Pomona Park to construct a trail along the shoreline and alongside Maple Creek, permanent benches and removable hammocks, and a parking area with space for overflow parking from the nearby boat launch.
- $299,100 to the village of Thompsonville in Benzie County for a $404,200 project to pave a mile of the Betsie Valley Trail from the village of Thompsonville to the Betsie River Bridge. The trail would be 10 feet wide and constructed of asphalt.
- $190,500 to the city of Norton Shores for a $385,000 project to construct a splash pad in Lake Harbor Park. The splash pad will be oval-shaped, featuring a 1,809-square-foot spray area and a total area of 2,327 square feet.
- $90,000 to Blue Lake Township for a $120,000 development to construct wildlife observation structures and a trail system with access to Grass Lake. The project will enhance the ability for everyone, including individuals with disabilities, to observe and appreciate the flora and fauna of the rustic Grass Lake area.
The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. Since its inception in 1976, the fund has granted over $1.4 billion to support local and state recreational projects in all 83 counties.
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