Providing resources for communities and entrepreneurs to create and retain jobs in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan & Emmet Counties.

Grant dollars available for outdoor activities

2019 DNR Trust Fund Recommended Project-City of Onaway future Trailhead location

Northern Lakes Economic Alliance  •  231-582-6482  

Jessica Lovay, Community Development & Grants

The City of Onaway was recently announced as one of the 2019 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Recommended Development Projects. The $204,700 awarded funds will be put toward their over $350,000 new Trailhead. Development of the Onaway Trailhead on M-211 will accommodate area residents and users of the DNR’s North Eastern State Trail. The proposed trailhead project includes family restrooms with universal access design. The project, located 0.25 miles north of downtown Onaway and roughly 5 miles south of Onaway State Park, includes a pavilion that will provide shelter to trail users and will also provide a location for a farmer’s market, picnicking, and many other activities.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced they are accepting applications for their 2020 grant cycle for the following programs: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Recreation Passport Grant program.  

There are eligibility requirements to apply for this competitive round of funding. To be eligible to apply for funding through one of the open programs, a community must have an approved 5-Year Recreation Plan on file with the DNR by February 1, 2020. An exception for the Recreation Passport Grant Program, a community may submit a Capital Improvement Plan with its application in lieu of an approved 5-Year Recreation Plan.

If your community is interested in learning more about this round of funding from the DNR, we encourage you to review the grant application guidelines, instructions, applications and general information (http://www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants), and attend one of their 2020 grant workshops (https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/RECREATION_GRANT_WORKSHOPS_673372_7.pdf), or contact NLEA at 231-582-6482 to speak with a certified grant administrator.

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