Congressman Tim Walberg has been welcomed to tour a trail in Buchanan as funding is sought to expand it. Be Healthy Berrien Director Dawn Marie Smith tells us she and partners hosted Walberg at the McCoy’s Creek trailhead this month as he seeks funding for the Niles-Buchanan Trail Connection project.
“It is a way for us to connect as a community, create better local economies, support local economies, bring awareness to the environment, and also hopefully lean into some of our cultural and historical values that are around our communities,” Smith said.
Smith says Walberg has requested $2.1 million from the House Appropriations Committee for the connection. During his visit, hosts and Walberg discussed how trails improve individual and community health by providing not only recreation and transportation opportunities, but also by influencing economic and community development. Smith says it will be months before it’s known if the project’s funding has been approved.
