LANSING – State Representatives Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge) and Tom Cochran (D-Mason) voted in favor of Senate Bill 233 today, a bill that would fund more than 70 different projects, including an acquisition of land for the Crandell Lake Park in Eaton County. The bill also funds 49 emergency dredging projects across the state. The bill passed on a vote of 107 to 3.

“I voted yes on SB 233 because the Crandell Lake Park is important to Eaton County families and will provide even more recreational opportunities for our community,” said Abed. “With limited resources in the county, we’re grateful for this funding to help get this project moving.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a constitutionally protected fund that is dedicated to recreation acquisition and development projects. SB 233 would appropriate $23.3 million for 76 projects; 22 acquisition and 54 development. The bill would also appropriate $21 million for 49 emergency dredging projects that were approved by the State Waterways Commission on Feb. 8. A dredging project is considered an emergency if it has been determined that “emergency conditions warrant a dredging project to protect property, public health, safety or welfare.” The bill now will go to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“Projects like the Crandell Lake Park initiative are important for the Mid-Michigan region,” said Cochran. “They show that our communities are investing in improvements that are good for families, small businesses and tourism.”