On Friday, State Rep. Tom Kunse applauded the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for its approval of a state grant to upgrade a shared-use pathway in the Village of Hersey, located in Osceola County.

“This grant will help those in our community who have faced harder times than most due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kunse, R-Clare. “This is a major win for the residents of Hersey, and all of Osceola County.”

The Village of Hersey was one of 21 Michigan communities selected to share $14.2 million in Michigan Spark Grants, administered by the DNR, which offer chances to reach those in communities whose economic opportunities and public health were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hersey is slated to receive $1 million to upgrade the shared-use pathway, which is used by many locals and visitors, according to Kunse.

“The residents in the Village of Hersey have provided a great deal of support for this project, and I’m ecstatic to see them receive this much-needed grant,” Kunse said. “I am eager to see the final product, which will benefit our community tremendously.”

The Michigan Spark Grants provide a major boost toward creating, renovating, or redeveloping public recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. This program stimulates historic support for projects that provide safe, accessible public recreation facilities and spaces to improve people’s health and well-being. Additionally, the grants help introduce new recreation experiences, build on existing infrastructure, and make it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors.