Some northern Michigan counties will be receiving millions in grant money thanks to new legislation signed by Gov. Rick Snyder.
The legislation authorized more than $3 million in grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to fund outdoor recreation acquisition and development projects across the 37th Senate District, according to a press release from Senator Howard Walker.
The money is part of $38 million in grants from the MNRTF to support projects in more than 48 counties in the state.
Projects in northern Michigan include $862,500 to Acme Township for purchasing around 475 feet of frontage on East Grand Traverse Bay, $300,000 to Charlevoix County for developing a 10-foot-wide non-motorized recreation trail from the Boyne City limits to the Evangeline/Bay Township line; and $280,000 to Mullett Township for improvements to Topinabee Lakeside Park.
Senator Walker, R-Traverse City, said the grant money will "enhance life out of doors for tens of thousands of northern Michigan residents."
Since 1976, MNRTF has provided more than $900 million to local communities and the state of Michigan to fund the acquisition of land for resource protection and the development of recreation opportunities for residents.