The following news release was issued earlier today by the Office of Gov. Rick Snyder:

Dec. 9, 2016

Contact:
Gov. Snyder's communications office, 517-335-6397
Jon Mayes (DNR grants management), 517-284-5954

Gov. Rick Snyder applauds Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board recommendations

Board recommends $47.6 million to enhance public outdoor recreation

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today applauded the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board for its submission of grant recommendations for recreational development and land acquisition projects to the state Legislature.

“For 40 years, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has provided opportunities to Michiganders to experience our state’s world-class natural resources. These recommendations reflect that ongoing commitment to a better quality of life for Michigan citizens in every part of our state,” Snyder said.

The board’s recommendations total more than $47.6 million for projects in 2017, including $19.9 million in recreational development and $27.7 million in land acquisition projects.

Of the $27.7 million recommended to fund acquisition projects, $19.9 million would be awarded to local units of government, while the remaining $7.8 million would be awarded to the Department of Natural Resources. Of the $19.9 million recommended to fund development grants, $17.9 million would support 79 local government projects and $2 million would support eight DNR projects.

In 2016, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund celebrated 40 years of funding high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities for Michigan residents and visitors. Over the past four decades, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1 billion to state and local units of government to develop and improve outdoor recreation opportunities in all 83 counties.

“The board’s grant recommendations reflect the long-standing tradition of the Trust Fund’s support of healthy lifestyles, public recreation and regional economies,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh. “The Trust Fund is truly a unique treasure and we look forward to the continuing support it will provide Michigan communities.”

The board's recommendations will go to the state Legislature for review as part of the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature will forward legislation to the governor for his signature.

A full list of the final recommendations made is available here.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.