Dowagiac to expand trail access

State Rep. Aaron Miller voted in favor of a plan that would help increase access to local trails from the city of Dowagiac by creating a link to eight miles of existing trails.

The legislation approved by the House Appropriations Committee includes $56,200 to purchase an easement along the south side of Dowagiac Creek. The city plans to use the easement to build a trail link.

Miller said the project is a great example of using a self-sustaining program to help invest in local communities.

Overall, the legislation approved by the House Appropriations Committee includes $26 million for more than 60 projects statewide. The money would come from the Natural Resources Trust Fund, which according to the Michigan constitution can only be used to support these types of projects.