More than $600,000 in state grant dollars are going to Fort Gratiot recreational projects — in part backing an effort to develop township-owned property that’s been in talks for several years.
According to the state, $500,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Land and Water Conservation fund is going toward an RV campground on 100 acres off Parker Road, while another $112,500 from the DNR’s Recreation Passport program will go toward trail development along the “Parker West” property.
“These dollars will help us to create recreational improvements that will provide many benefits to the community and help Fort Gratiot remain a desirable place to visit, live, and do business,” Township Supervisor Rob Crawford said in a statement. “… With other investments in trails, camping, and outdoor recreation in the region, St. Clair County offers a lot of affordable outdoor amenities for both residents and visitors.”
The land and water fund award will be matched with $500,000 in township dollars to start the RV campground. It will be located in the northwest corner of the Parker West site with a proposed 25 RV sites with full hookup.
The township would also match $37,500 for the other award, putting $150,000 toward the trail aimed to highlight the local scenery.
Previously, Fort Gratiot received $59,300 from county-administered federal COVID stimulus dollars for the design and engineering of a sanitary sewer system to provide services to the Parker Road recreational area.
According to the township, there are 330 acres of recreational land in Fort Gratiot on Parker Road between Keewahdin and Carrigan roads.
Two years ago, the township board looked at long-term plans for the area, and last year, the township let go of an agreement to lease an acreage off Parker to the Fort Gratiot Little League, retaining its longer-term intent to keep the area reserved for recreation.
In its announcement about grant funds, the DNR reported more than $6.4 million was being allocated around the state from the land and water fund, as well as $1.9 million in passport funds.
In its own announcement this month, the township cited the $12.6 billion value attributed to the state’s outdoor recreation economy by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as a big reason to invest.
Contact:
Jackie Smith
(810) 989-6270
jssmith@gannett.com
