LANSING, Mich. – State Representative Dudley Spade (D - Tipton) today announced that the Village of Clinton
has been recommended to receive a grant in the amount of $297,600 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF)
in order to improve the Tate Park Pathway and Fishing Docks within the village. These funds, which originate
within the MNRTF, provide funding assistance for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local outdoor
recreational needs. The grants now move to the legislature for approval.
"As Majority Vice-Chair of the Department of Natural Resources Appropriations Sub-committee, I am committed to
ensuring that the Village of
Clinton receives these funds as recommended by the DNR," Spade said. "I
look forward to working with the Department to see that all funds are allocated quickly and accurately when the time
comes."
The MNRF was established in 1976 to provide a source of funding for public acquisition of lands for resource
protection and public outdoor recreation. The MNRTF is derived from royalties on the sale and lease of state-owned
mineral rights and not citizen tax dollars. In 1985, Michigan voters
chose to make the MNRTF part of Michigan's constitution, ensuring this
program's future.
Since 1976, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has made hundreds of recommendations and awarded over $700
million in grants specifically geared toward improving recreation and recreational access, and to add to local and state
projects to develop parks and preserve unique areas of the state. It is common practice for the legislature to
adopt all the department's recommendations and this part of the process is typically completed by the end of the summer
following the release of the MNRTF Board of Trustee's recommendations.
"I want to commend the Village of
Clinton for working hard to improve the quality of their public parks," Rep.
Spade continued. "These funds will be crucial in helping the Village of
Clinton develop and maintain its natural resources."
