Muskegon leads West Michigan share of $45 million state park fund

The city of Muskegon is set to receive $730,200 from the state's Natural Resources Trust Fund to expand Hartshorn Park, the largest single allocation among six projects approved for Benzie and Muskegon counties.

The funding is part of Senate Bill 829, a $45 million bill that passed the Michigan Senate unanimously on April 29 and moved to the House of Representatives on April 30. The bill is currently before the House Committee on Appropriations.

"For 50 years, the Natural Resources Trust Fund has invested in forward-thinking projects that help protect our shared natural resources and enhance the quality of life for all Michigan residents at no cost to taxpayers," said Senator Jon Bumstead, R-Norton Shores, Senate Appropriations Minority Vice Chair.

Bumstead, who represents the 32nd Senate District covering Benzie, Mason, Muskegon, and Oceana counties, voted in favor of the bill. He highlighted the Muskegon County projects as a key reason for his support.

What Muskegon gets

The Muskegon allocation funds a $973,600 land acquisition project. The city will purchase two acres adjacent to Hartshorn Municipal Marina, Hartshorn Park, and the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail. According to the bill details, the expanded site would provide an urban park amenity on Muskegon Lake and could support hundreds of new residential units within walking distance.

The acquisition is the largest single NRTF project in Muskegon County under SB 829.

Other West Michigan projects

The bill includes five additional projects in the region:

  • Montague: $400,000 toward a $684,400 project to improve ADA accessibility at Cullen Field Park, including a paved parking lot, gathering area, and pathway connecting to the Hart-Montague Trail
  • Fruitport: $400,000 toward a $535,000 development in Pomona Park to construct a shoreline trail along Maple Creek, permanent benches, removable hammocks, and overflow parking near the boat launch
  • Thompsonville: $299,100 toward a $404,200 project to pave one mile of the Betsie Valley Trail from the village to the Betsie River Bridge
  • Norton Shores: $190,500 toward a $385,000 splash pad in Lake Harbor Park featuring a 1,809-square-foot spray area
  • Blue Lake Township: $90,000 toward a $120,000 development to construct wildlife observation structures and a trail system with access to Grass Lake

Bill status

Senator John Cherry, D-Flint, introduced SB 829 on March 10. The Senate Appropriations Committee reported the bill favorably on April 16 and recommended immediate effect. The full Senate passed it 37-0 on April 29.

The House received the bill on April 30 and referred it to the House Committee on Appropriations. No House vote has occurred as of May 31.

The Natural Resources Trust Fund is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. The fund has granted more than $1.4 billion to local and state recreational projects since 1976, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

SB 829 would authorize the NRTF to release $45 million in restricted funds to support 60 development projects and 15 land acquisitions across all 83 Michigan counties.