Michigan Pumps $250M Into State Parks, Trails

ST. IGNACE, MI — Standing before a backdrop of the Mackinac Bridge and the straights of Mackinac, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced a $250 million investment in Michigan's state parks and trails — a move she and others hope will boost local economies around those sites while also providing a bump to Michigan tourism.

The $250 million influx will come from President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan and is levelled at addressing a backlog of park infrastructure projects, Whitmer said.

“Tourism is vital to Michigan’s economy and to our overall economic health, and COVID disproportionately harmed our tourism and hospitality sectors,” Whitmer said Thursday. “Investments in our public spaces make Michigan a more competitive and attractive destination for tourism, position us as a recreation leader, and are critical components of our seasonal and rural economies. This is a valuable use of our federal funds to help the communities who rely on tourism rebound from the public health crisis. Parks bring us together. They are equally beloved by all Michiganders, regardless of geography or income, race or class or politics.”

Tourism to Michigan parks generates value for surrounding communities, creates jobs and sustains small businesses, Whitmer said. On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit, according to the state. Officials said they hope investments in Michigan's parks will uplift communities and help jumpstart the state economy as it emerges from the pandemic.

Michigan saw a 30 percent increase in visitors to state parks and recreation areas during the pandemic, according to state data. The state's outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state GDP and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in Michigan, officials said.

“As the number of visitors to Michigan’s 103 state parks has increased dramatically over the past couple of years, we’ve seen greater demands our park and trail infrastructure,” Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger said. “The funding announced by the Governor today will give our state parks a badly needed boost, while also aiding the state’s recovery through our natural resources and outdoor recreation tourism.”

Thursday's announcement will modernize parks and trails, improve access and preserve them for generations to come, officials said. Funding will be used for projects that include upgrading water and sanitary systems, preserving historic structures, and installing and improving vital park infrastructure.

“Addressing the backlog of infrastructure needs within our State Parks has been a goal of many organizations for a number of years,” Michigan Recreation and Park Association Executive Director Clay Summer said. “This investment will not only help Michigan’s State Parks but in the long run, it will truly help all parks in the state. By meeting the needs of the State Parks, your local city, township, county and regional park systems will now be priority recipients of grant funding and other alternative sources. This is a huge win for all Michigan residents and will provide safe, accessible and inclusive park systems for all.”