LANSING — State Rep. Pam Faris (D-Clio) and Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) are pleased to announce that the Legislature has approved Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) recommendations for awards in their districts. The city of Clio will receive $262,500, and an additional grant of $300,000 has been awarded to a section of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail within Genesee County.
The grant to the city of Clio is to be used to develop and improve the Clio Bike Path system, part of a regional trail network. Among work to be completed is a new, fully accessible restroom facility and trailhead development.
The grant for the Iron Belle Trail will develop a 2.2 mile section of non-motorized trail in Genesee Township. Upon completion, this new segment will connect Richfield County Park to 24 miles of existing Iron Belle Trail.
“I am happy to see the city of Clio receive this support after steadfast effort in city offices and long-term cooperation with myself and the DNR,” Rep. Faris said. “We are lucky to live in an area with a regional network of trails for walking, running and biking. As that network expands and the state of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail is developed in our area, accessible and safe facilities will not only serve local residents well, they will also put our best face forward for tourists who will bike through our communities.”
The MNRTF, in place since 1976, provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or scenic beauty. It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation. This fund is established in the Michigan Constitution, and is supported by annual revenues from the development of state-owned mineral resources, largely oil and gas. It is administered by the Grants Management office of the DNR.
“Developing the Clio Bike Path and the Iron Belle Trail will encourage more folks in Genesee County to lace up their running shoes or dust off their bikes in order to enjoy the great outdoors,” Sen. Ananich said. “I know many families, including mine, will appreciate these paths for decades to come.”
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