LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michael Webber on Thursday voted for legislation to approve a $27.3 million Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) investment into park and trail developments and public land acquisitions across Michigan, including $1.6 million for two projects in the Greater Rochester Area.
“This trust fund has proven to be a great tool for investing in our parks and natural resources without putting additional tax burdens on state residents,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “I am happy to see a portion of these funds support projects located within the 9th Senate District. These investments will help families and community members enjoy local recreational opportunities for years and years to come.”
The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. Since its inception in 1976, the NRTF has been used to fund 2,760 projects totaling $1.3 billion.
Senate Bill 817 would authorize the NRTF to release $27.3 million in restricted funds to support 35 development projects and 18 land acquisitions across the state. Local matching funds of $34.2 million would bring the total investment to $61.5 million.
The legislation would provide $1.3 million to support the city of Rochester Hills’ acquisition of nearly nine acres of land adjacent to Cloverport Park along the Clinton River in order to expand public green space and provide a trail hub for the community. This project includes $1.4 million in local matching funds and will help enhance pedestrian connections between Rochester Hills and downtown Rochester.
The bill would also provide $300,000 for a new bridge and developments along Paint Creek Trail, a regional trail that is part of the Iron Belle Trail network. The project would replace a 100-year-old timber railroad bridge located near the city of Rochester with a single-span prefabricated 70-foot-long steel truss bridge over Paint Creek. The renovation effort, which includes $678,900 in local matching funds, would improve accessibility for users and emergency vehicles.
Michigan’s 9th Senate District includes the cities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, and Utica, along with parts of Oakland Township, Shelby Township and Sterling Heights.
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