MARQUETTE, MI-- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants to use $250 million dollars in American Rescue Plan funding to improve state parks and trails.
The Department of Natural Resources has had a backlog of projects for years. They currently total $260 million.
DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson says the park system is 102 years old. He notes some U.P. parks saw a record number of visitors last year.
“So we see that people are really wanting to get out—including the U.P.—and we want to make sure that the facilities are up to standards so that the increasing numbers continue to come and enjoy themselves,” he says.
The money would be used to modernize roads, buildings, electric systems, and sewer and water systems, among other projects.
The proposal needs to go through the legislative process. If it’s passed and appropriated, park projects would begin in Fiscal Year ’22, which starts October 1.
