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Calhoun County endorses Connecting Michigan trailways; local alliance outlines $6.5 million first phase
Summary
The board unanimously endorsed the Connecting Michigan Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan and committed to collaborative participation; Tom Garnett of the Calhoun County Trailway Alliance said the first three segments of Phase I would cost about $6.5 million and rely on an estimated 150 volunteers and outside fundraising.
The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners voted March 20 to endorse the Connecting Michigan Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan, a statewide effort to link multiuse trails. The resolution (Res. 43-2008) passed unanimously.
County Administrator Greg Purcell introduced Tom Garnett, chairman of the Calhoun County Trailway Alliance, and Road Commissioner Eric Tobin. Garnett described a local plan to create a 40-plus mile trail system along the Kalamazoo River linking Battle Creek, Marshall and Albion and connecting to the national 4,600-mile scenic trail network.
Garnett said the Alliance anticipates 150 volunteers to help establish, build and maintain the trailway and estimated the cost for the first three segments of Phase I at about $6.5 million; the Alliance plans to pursue foundation grants and National Park Service funds and has established an endowment fund for long-term support. County staff and Garnett emphasized the county's endorsement does not commit county funds or staff time at this stage.
Commissioners cited expected benefits including improved health, economic development, alternative transportation and tourism when adopting the resolution. The Board's endorsement commits Calhoun County to participate collaboratively with partners executing the plan's action steps.
Next step: the Alliance will seek external funding and proceed with phased development; county staff will coordinate local participation as needed.
