DNR say 73% of its projects funded by federal COVID-19 relief are completed or underway
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday offered a significant progress update on improvements to state parks funded by federal COVID-19 relief.
With the American Rescue Plan Act supplying $273 million the DNR was able to reduce its decades long maintenance and repair backlog, while developing a new state park in Flint, with construction on the park expected to finish in 2026.
Out of 168 projects, the DNR has begun or completed 122, with the department beginning its efforts in early 2024.
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'These critical federal relief funds are at the heart of many incredibly transformative projects at 55 state parks across our peninsulas,' Kristen Kosick, the department's parks and recreation chief said in a statement. 'Visitors are already seeing or will see important upgrades and enhancements to park amenities and infrastructure, changes that are geared toward a safer, more welcoming environment, greater comfort and more positive guest experiences. We appreciate the public's understanding and patience while some locations are closed for construction, and we look forward to visitors enjoying these vital upgrades when the projects are complete.'
Among those projects are renovations at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle, which reopened in December, alongside complete trail paving at Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, major renovations at the newly reopened visitor center at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and upgraded water and electrical systems at Tahquamenon Falls State Park's modern campground.
As other federally-funded projects continue into the Summer and Fall, updates on project details and park closures are available at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures. The DNR has until Dec. 31, 2026 to expend its American Rescue Plan Funds.
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