LANSING – State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) today announced several Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) projects that will promote recreational development and help to preserve the natural beauty of our state.
"The U.P. is a great place to hunt, fish and enjoy the great outdoors," said Lahti, Chair of the Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee. "These projects will ensure our residents and visitors to our state will have the opportunity to enjoy all of the outdoor wonders Michigan has to offer for years to come. Protecting our natural resources will ensure people will keep coming back to experience the beauty of our state."
Local communities across the state will receive more than $48.5 million from the MNRTF for development projects and to acquire land. The MNRTF provides a source of funding for the public acquisition of land for resource protection and public outdoor recreation.
Keweenaw, Marquette, Iron, Gogebic and Houghton counties will receive the following MNRTF funding:
- Hunter's Point Park-phase II in Keweenaw County will receive $720,000 for land acquisition.
- Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook in Marquette County will receive $319,100 for development projects.
- Gibson Lake Park in Iron County will receive $179,500 for improvements.
- Sunday Lake Trail and Eddy Park in Gogebic County will receive $147,700 for improvements.
- Hiawatha Rotary Skate Park in Gogebic County will receive $46,300 for construction and development.
- East Houghton Greenspace in Houghton County will receive $22,000 for land acquisition.
- Lions Club Park Nature Trail in Houghton County will receive $20,400 for development projects.
"We're the Great Lakes state and when it comes to the great outdoors we are the envy of the world," Lahti said. "We treasure our natural resources, and realize how vital they are to tourism and our local economy."