The
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is moving forward with a $1.62 million grant from the federal Department of Transportation.
The grant comes from the department's Public Lands Highway Discretionary program, and will be used to build 3.17 miles of the trail, starting at Port Oneida Road and ending at Leelanau County Road 669 (also known as Bohemian Road).
The multi-use trail will provide a non-motorized pathway for walkers, hikers, cyclists, and other alternatives to motorized transportation, parallel to M22 and M109 for a total of 27 miles through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It also will connect the national lakeshore's main points with Glen Arbor and Empire.
"The trail partners and supporters are very thankful for this grant award to continue towards expanding the trail," says Patty O'Donnell, project manager for the heritage trail. "The award recognizes that the SBHT will provide a meaningful transportation alternative for residents and visitors, as well as an outstanding recreational opportunity for all users, that is being demonstrated on the first completed section from the National Lakeshore's Dune Climb to Glen Arbor."
The grant will extend that existing trail a few more miles, connecting it to more of the park and allowing visitors and residents to travel farther on the hard-surfaced trail.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Patty O'Donnell, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
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