As Michigan’s State Park Improvements Ramp Up, Visitors Reminded About Planning for Closures

GW: More money we have to borrow for ARPA funds. So, sad we have to burden people yet to be born. Of course, our hands are extended to accept debt.
Thanks to a massive $250 million investment made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, many critical improvements at Michigan state parks are underway or getting ready to break ground in the coming months.
Although the work will cause slight disruptions to overnight and day-trip plans at some locations, state park officials say it’s a worthwhile tradeoff – governed by a strict timeline – that will yield substantial long-term visitor benefits. The federal relief funds will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs and help build a new state park in Flint.
“In the construction world, this is much like a race against time to design, bid and plan these projects in such a short time frame,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “The ARPA funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on those projects by Dec. 31, 2026. It’s an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful planning, broad action and thorough execution.” Read more