County to apply for MNRTF grants for 12 Mile green space and Chief Hazy Cloud trailhead

Kent County parks staff asked the committee to approve submission of two Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant applications: one for improvements at the county‑owned 12 Mile green space in Algoma Township and another for a Chief Hazy Cloud trailhead as part of the Grand River Greenway initiative.

For the 12 Mile green space project, staff said the county owns more than 43 acres on 12 Mile Road and proposed adding a four‑season restroom with gathering space, improved parking and an accessible non‑motorized access point to the Rogue River, including an accessible kayak launch. Staff estimated total development costs at about $1,000,000 and requested support to apply for the MNRTF maximum of $400,000; the county would commit to a local match if awarded but would not need to appropriate match dollars now. Staff said award notifications typically come in December and that the county would then identify match sources and proceed through its CIP process.

For the Chief Hazy Cloud trailhead, staff described a $1,800,000 project including a parking lot, four‑season restroom with outlook shelter and a natural surface single‑track trail system. Staff said $1,400,000 of the local match has already been appropriated from a $10,000,000 ARPA allocation for the Grand River Greenway. Both grant applications must be ranked in order of preference; staff said it is possible to receive multiple grants in a cycle but advised listing priorities.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about diagrams and ranking; staff said diagrams are being finalized and that match sources could include private philanthropy. Both motions to apply and to commit to required local matches (if awarded) were supported and approved by voice vote.