Community News
On June 27, the Michigan Legislature passed the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget. The $82.5B budget includes funding for major statewide policy priorities as well as many local projects that have a significant positive impact on Michigan families and communities – including $3,000,000 to the nonprofit organization the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative (HWPI) to support development of the Washtenaw County-wide Border to Border Trail (B2B Trail).
The B2B Trail is a planned, 45-mile non-motorized trail that connects people, communities, and nature areas across Washtenaw County, connecting to larger trail networks in Wayne County to the east, and Jackson and Ingham Counties to the west. Envisioned by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) in the 1990s, and supported by the various municipalities and local government agencies across the county, this initiative is now spearheaded by a public-private partnership between WCPARC and HWPI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In this effort, WCPARC oversees trail planning, construction, and maintenance, while HWPI raises funds to support trail development and promotes trail programming and community outreach.
Fewer than 10 miles remain to complete this county-wide and regionally-connected trail, but with significant and expensive projects still to come. This budget appropriation will play a major role in completing the B2B Trail in the coming years, providing an unparalleled community asset for both residents and visitors for decades to come.
This effort was led by Representative Jennifer Conlin (HD-48), a champion for environmental issues and outdoor recreational causes throughout her district and statewide. Under her leadership, many other Washtenaw County-based legislators joined Rep Conlin in her support for this appropriation – including Representative Julie Brixie (HD-73), Representative Jason Morgan (HD-23), Representative Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (HD-32), Representative Carrie Rheingans (HD-47), Representative Felicia Brabec (HD-33), Senator Jeff Irwin (SD-18), and Senator Sue Shink (SD-14).
HWPI Executive Director, Kiff Hamp, and WCPARC Director, Coy Vaugn, thank Representative Conlin and all of the Washtenaw County legislators who supported this appropriation for their tremendous leadership in prioritizing non-motorized trails and the incredible positive impact they have on local communities.
