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IOHA recommended for development grant

MARQUETTE — The Iron Ore Heritage Authority has been recommended to receive a development grant of $218,200 for its marshlands boardwalk.

The action came as part of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board’s recommendations of about $45.6 million to boost outdoor recreation in Michigan.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the board recommended Wednesday to the Michigan Legislature that 117 recreation development projects and land acquisitions totaling almost $45.6 million be funded in 2022. The board this year considered a total of 136 applications seeking over $59.1 million in funding, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.

In a competitive process, all eligible applications were evaluated based on scoring criteria approved by the Trust Fund board.

“The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund continues to provide the significant investment that creates better, broader access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities for Michigan residents and visitors throughout our state,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Whether you’re camping, enjoying a park close to home, exploring forest trails or just taking in a scenic view, all of these Trust Fund-supported experiences contribute mightily to local economies and our mental and physical well-being.”

Other Upper Peninsula projects recommended for development grants were: the city of Iron Mountain’s Pewabic Hill mountain bike system, $183,200; the DNR-Michigan Historical Center for Straits State Park improvements, $300,000; Clark Township in Mackinac County, the Peek-a-Boo Trail, $200,300; the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, Douglass Houghton Falls Scenic Site development, $300,000; and the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, Menominee River-Piers Gorge accessible trail, $300,000.

Upper Peninsula projects recommended for acquisition projects were the city of Hancock, Portage Canal waterfront property acquisition, $171,600; the village of Baraga, Baraga Waterfront Park inholding acquisition, $250,000; Baraga County, North Sturgeon River Recreation Area acquisition, $2,737,500; and the city of Manistique, Lake Michigan Campground acquisition, $449,000.

The Trust Fund board recommends funding to both state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions that will further access to public outdoor recreation.

“As our state navigated a second year amid COVID-19 uncertainty, the importance of green spaces and public recreation facilities became a key focus,” DNR Director Dan Eichinger said in a statement. “Time and again, Michigan residents and visitors turned to trails, parks, sports fields and other welcoming public places where they could get out of the house, soak up the sun and connect with family and friends.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals. Over the past 45 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.2 billion to state and local units of government to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan.

“Trust Fund grants, with the tradition of fundraising for critical match dollars, help local governments and recreation authorities acquire land and develop recreation amenities,” Trust Fund Board Chair Erin McDonough said in a statement. “This ranges from quaint neighborhood parks to larger, regional recreation areas and networks of multiuse trails systems.”

The Trust Fund board’s recommendations will go to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature will forward a bill to Whitmer for her signature.

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