Delhi Township sets March public hearing on two DNR Land & Water Conservation Fund grant applications

The Delhi Charter Township Board set a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. on March 17 to receive comments on two Michigan Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant applications. The board approved the hearing date by a 7‑0 roll‑call vote after Trustee Matt Lincoln moved and Trustee DiAnne Warfield supported the motion.

Parks staff described the two proposed applications in board materials. Each application requests $400,000 in LWCF grant funding and requires a 50% local match, allowing for development projects with a total project estimate of about $800,000 apiece. The Valhalla Park proposal covers a 0.5‑mile trail loop around the pond with a floating boardwalk section, an accessible fishing pier, a new east‑side picnic shelter, interpretive signage and site furnishings. The John Taylor Park proposal includes accessible concrete pathways from the parking lot, a picnic shelter, a playground structure, a scenic wetlands overlook and improved park entry and walkway connections.

The parks memo states both projects are identified in the township’s 2025–2029 Parks Master Plan and currently appear in the township CIP with a $400,000 match suggested in FY2027 and FY2028, but those match dollars are not yet budgeted and will depend on grant results. The memo notes final award routing and reimbursement processes: grants are due April 1, award notices are expected in September, and the final award is signed by the governor as part of appropriations with reimbursement after project completion.

The board will take public comment at the March 17 hearing and is expected to consider a resolution of support as part of the application process.