Lawmaker highlights improvements to M-14 and New Waterfront Park
State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) speaks on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., July 10, 2024 — The Michigan Legislature passed the final state budget for the 2025 fiscal year ahead of the legally required July 1 deadline.
State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) prioritized strategic, targeted investments that improve the lives of people in her district without raising taxes. Her continued commitment to ensuring the needs of her constituents are met is evident in the state budget allocations, which include $2 million in funds for a new waterfront park in Northfield Township.
“This budget is about making investments that will strengthen our state by prioritizing hometowns. Whether it be infrastructure, education or the economy, I wanted to ensure that the allocations from this budget would benefit the people in my district who allow me to represent them in Lansing,” Conlin said.
Conlin represents the 48th House District, which encompasses parts of Jackson, Livingston and Washtenaw counties. She championed investments that include $500,000 for improvements to and maintenance of the M-14 Barton Ramp, as well as funding for a noise study of the M-14 corridor, answering the concerns of constituents who have been long disturbed by noise pollution from traffic.
Notable for the district, which has many recreational spaces, is a community enhancement grant of $3 million for the Border-to-Border Trail (B2B), a 35-mile, 10-foot pathway consisting of six different trail corridors that connect you to cities, parks and many destinations throughout Washtenaw County.
“I heard what the people in my district want and will continue my work to ensure they are adequately supported. I am happy that this state budget prioritizes their needs,” Conlin continued. “This budget is a reflection of our collective priorities and the voices of my constituents. It’s about more than just numbers; it’s about making meaningful changes that enhance our community. By allocating funds to critical projects like the creation of a waterfront park in Northfield Township and the Wines Neighborhood Noise Abatement wall, we are directly addressing the issues that matter most to the people I represent.”
In addition to funding for improvements to M-14, the B2B Trail and the new waterfront park in Northfield Township, Conlin’s district received the following key investments:
- $20,000 for the Hamburg Township Historical Museum.
- $40,000 for the Pinckney Community Youth Development Initiative.
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