$300,000 in state funding that would expand a Livingston County park is awaiting the signature of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI).
The money, announced last week by State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), is slated to be used to acquire 90 acres of land adjacent to the existing park at the Genoa Township municipal offices. The addition is expected to enhance the community park with expanded opportunity for recreational sports and other township-sponsored programming.
“Expanding this park will offer local families an even greater area to get outside and enjoy themselves and create more opportunities for community events,” said Bollin, of Brighton Township. “I’m happy to help bring some of the funding from the Natural Resources Trust Fund back home to improve our community.”
Funding for the project is part of Senate Bill 1028, which includes $45.6 million for 22 land acquisition and 95 recreational development projects throughout the state with revenues from the Natural Resources Trust Fund. The fund’s board approved its recommendations in December 2021 and the projects were approved with overwhelming support by the House and Senate and was presented to Gov. Whitmer on July 7.
Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from the development of minerals on state land – not general tax money – and is distributed on an annual basis in partnership with local governments. The money must be used for acquisition or recreational development projects, according to the Michigan Constitution.
