Democratic lawmaker requests funding for veterans and Metroparks Trail
State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Twp.) speaks in support of the General Government Budget Amendment on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
LANSING, Mich., April 30, 2025 — State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Twp.) recently submitted her request for enhancement grants to the House Appropriations Committee, petitioning for investments from the state budget to be made in Livingston County. After submitting the request, Conlin issued the following statement:
“This year, I requested funding for Freedom River, a non-profit that is creating a comprehensive outdoor recreation center for veterans to re-assimilate. Part of the plan includes an outdoor recreation center on its property, the Freedom River Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide comprehensive wellness services for veterans and their families. The center will focus on holistic healing, suicide prevention and mental health support through evidence-based programs, peer mentorship and therapeutic activities in a nature-rich setting.
“Additionally, I have supported funding for the construction of a trail connecting Island Lake Recreation Area and Huron Meadows Metropark. This project will improve the trail network in Livingston County to better connect secondary trails, recreation areas and population centers with the state’s Great Lake-to-Lake Trail’s Route 1. Our state budget is crucial to the everyday functions in our state, and I am honored to have a voice in the process to fight for investments that will benefit my constituents. These spaces will offer healing, connection and opportunity for our veterans, their families and residents across the region. I’m proud to support projects that promote both mental and physical health, while making the outdoors more accessible to everyone.”
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