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More than $600,000 in state grant dollars are going to Fort Gratiot recreational projects \u2014 in part backing an effort to develop township-owned property that\u2019s been in talks for several years.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n According to the state, $500,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources\u2019 Land and Water Conservation fund is going toward an RV campground on 100 acres off Parker Road, while another $112,500 from the DNR\u2019s Recreation Passport program will go toward trail development along the \u201cParker West\u201d property.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThese 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,\u201d Township Supervisor Rob Crawford said in a statement. \u201c\u2026 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.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The township would also match $37,500 for the other award, putting $150,000 toward the trail aimed to highlight the local scenery.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n According to the township, there are 330 acres of recreational land in Fort Gratiot on Parker Road between Keewahdin and Carrigan roads.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In its own announcement this month, the township cited the $12.6 billion value attributed to the state\u2019s outdoor recreation economy by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as a big reason to invest.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Contact<\/span><\/em>:
\nJackie Smith
\n(810) 989-6270
\njssmith@gannett.com<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n