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Watervliet Gets Phase 1 DNR Grant

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There are some mighty happy people at the Berrien County Parks Commission today, but the real excitement is in the community of Watervliet following word that the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund recommended a grant of $296,000 for the Phase 1 development of Watervliet County Park located along the Paw Paw River in Watervliet.
 
Phase 1 park development includes approximately 20 acres with 1 mile of Paw Paw River frontage. Natural features include river frontage, a pedestrian bridge connecting to the island, mature trees, birding, fishing, and other recreational opportunities. The park will connect Watervliet directly to the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan on the designated Paw Paw River Water Trail. The location will be a trailhead for the water trail with an ADA kayak launch, hard surface walkways, parking area, security lighting, trash and recycle bins and bench seating which will enhance recreational opportunities for the region.

Dick Schinkel is Chairman of the Berrien County Parks Commission. He says, “The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund plays a vital role in supporting natural resource protection, recreation opportunities, tourism and the economy for the people of Michigan and Berrien County. This development funding will allow us to transform property currently owned by the Berrien County Brownfield Authority into a wonderful regional county park."

Schinkel is also looking ahead to the improvements and amenities for the park, saying, "We will be able to provide hiking trails, birding and wildlife viewing opportunities and wonderful fishing access in a truly beautiful and unique area of Berrien County.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) receives its funding from royalties from the lease and sale of State owned mineral rights. No tax dollars are used for the MNRTF grants that are funded.  All grants are required to provide 25-percent in local matching funds.
 
The MNRTF recommendations now move to the Legislature for funding approval and to Governor Snyder for his signature.

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Typically, this part of the process is completed by summer.  Construction will likely begin in the spring of 2018 and be completed in the fall of that year.

The Trust Fund also approved $520,000 for the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail along the St. Joseph River in Niles, and $214,000 for a path connecting Elizabeth Park, Veterans Park, and Village Park West in Eau Claire, among other projects state wide. 

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