LANSING, MI — Sen. Michael Weber on Thursday voted in favor of a bill authorizing a $27.3 million Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) investment in park and trail development and public land acquisition across Michigan, including Rochester. It also includes $1.6 million for two projects in the metro area.
“This trust fund has proven to be a great tool to invest in our parks and natural resources without imposing an additional tax burden on state residents,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. . “We are pleased that some of these funds are supporting projects within the 9th Senate District. These investments will ensure families and community members have access to local recreational opportunities for years to come. It helps you have fun.”
The NRTF is supported by interest earned from funds derived from the development of state-owned mineral rights. Since its creation in 1976, the NRTF has been used to fund 2,760 of his projects, totaling $1.3 billion.
Senate Bill 817 would authorize the release of $27.3 million in restricted funds to the NRTF to support 35 development projects and 18 land acquisitions in the state. With local matching funds of $34.2 million, her total investment is $61.5 million.
The bill would help the city of Rochester Hills acquire approximately 9 acres of land adjacent to Cloverport Park along the Clinton River to expand public green space and provide a trail hub for the community. It will provide $1,000,000. The project includes $1.4 million in local matching funds and will help enhance pedestrian connectivity between Rochester Hills and downtown Rochester.
The bill would also provide $300,000 for new bridge construction and development along Paint Creek Trail, a regional trail that is part of the Iron Bell Trail Network. The project will replace a 100-year-old wooden railroad bridge near the city of Rochester with a 70-foot-long, single-span prefabricated steel truss bridge over Paint Creek. The renovations, which included $678,900 in local matching funds, will improve accessibility for patrons and emergency vehicles.
Michigan’s 9th Senate District includes the cities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, and Utica, as well as portions of Oakland Township, Shelby Township, and Sterling Heights.
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