FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 27, 2019

Contact: Tim Martin, (517) 373-1699

Rep. Albert: Michigan House plan includes funding support for Lowell Regional Park

Natural Resources Trust Fund proposal approved by Appropriations Committee

State Rep. Thomas Albert today voted in favor of a plan that would help expand and improve a developing Lowell park.

The legislation approved by Albert and the House Appropriations Committee includes $683,200 to buy 122 acres to expand Lowell Regional Park. It’s part of a broader Natural Resources Trust Fund plan supporting outdoor recreation and natural resources projects across the state.

The Lowell property includes open fields, a stream, forest and wetlands. The site would include a natural area with hiking trails, as well as a small developed area with a playground and picnic facilities.

The park is currently about 406 acres in size.

“This plan is a great way to improve local opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation of our community’s natural resources,” Albert, of Lowell, said. “Places like these are needed to pass down our love of the outdoors to the next generation.”

Overall, the legislation approved by the House Appropriations Committee includes $26 million for more than 60 projects statewide. The money would come from the Natural Resources Trust Fund, which according to the Michigan constitution can only be used to support these types of projects.

The projects were recommended by the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board in December. The recommendations are subject to approval by the Michigan Legislature, a process started with the committee’s approval of House Bill 4244.

The legislation advances to the House floor for further consideration.

Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from the development of minerals on state land and is designated on an annual basis in partnership with the state and local governments.