The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board recently recommended $25 million in grant money for outdoor recreation development and land acquisition projects that would improve access to public recreation sites throughout the state.

 

Mecosta and Newaygo Counties will receive grant money totaling over $385,000 to expand tails along the Michigan Dragon trail system as the completed trail will run in both counties.

 

Newaygo County would receive $180,100 and Mecosta County would receive $205,000.

 

The planned route is 42 miles in length and will include six trail heads, 13 designated trail overlooks and parking at existing recreation sites. The trail will have a natural surface and will be two feet wide when completed. It is intended for bicycle and foot traffic only.

 

“I’ve always been an avid outdoorsman and will stand in support of both of these projects when they reach the Legislature,” State Senator Jon Bumstead said. “I am happy to see these developments in our communities moving forward so we can continue passing down the love for Michigan’s outdoors.”

 

Now that the approved projects have been selected, legislation will be introduced to provide the funding. Once introduced, the bill will be referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations and move through the standard legislative process.