Michigan NRTF Recommends Investing Nearly $50M for Projects Including Hunter’s Ridge and Fulton Park

More than $67,000 would be invested in Lansing based on recommendations made by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) for 2017.  The money would be used to acquire nine acres of property along the Grand River in the city of Lansing in Eaton County. The riverfront parcel will connect with Hunter’s Ridge Park and Fulton Park, enable the construction of a non-motorized trail of six miles or more and enhance possible landing sites for watercraft.

The project is among five that would impact the area.

Nearly $50 million -- $27.7 million from the trust fund to support 27 acquisition projects and $19.9 million for 87 development projects -- would be invested.

Senator Rick Jones applauded the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board for including the five projects in mid-Michigan on its list of recommendations for 2017.

“This investment would greatly benefit area residents by expanding and improving outdoor recreational offerings for people of all ages to enjoy,” said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. “Investing these constitutionally restricted resources would significantly increase access to the Grand and Shiawassee rivers for boating and fishing and also enhance the enjoyment of local parks.”

In addition to the Hunter's Ridge and Fulton Park projects, the recommendations include $288,600 to improve access to the Shiawassee River at Heritage Park in Corunna.  The development would include a carry-down watercraft launch, fishing pier, boardwalk and viewing platform. The improvements would follow removal of the unused dam and would connect to nearby towns and regional trails.

Delta Township in Eaton County would receive $162,500 to construct an accessible canoe launch site at a wooded five-acre property on West Willow Highway along the Grand River, a handicap-accessible parking lot and an accessible trail to the launch. Delta Township would also receive $175,000 to construct a new restroom building at Delta Mills Park and connect it to existing facilities and pathways at the 32-acre park.

Clinton County would see $96,700 used to renovate a more-than-50-year-old bathhouse to provide a place for all users of the newly opened St. Johns Community Spray Park to change clothes or use the bathroom. The renovation would include adding two accessible family changing rooms, electrical and plumbing upgrades, a new roof and updated toilets.

The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. The trust fund is constitutionally restricted for natural resources improvements and land acquisitions across the state.