State Rep. Rodney Wakeman, of Saginaw Township, today voted in favor of a plan to expand recreational offerings in Saginaw County as part of wide-ranging land development and acquisition legislation advancing through the Michigan House.

The $300,000 project included in the legislation will develop a 2.69-mile multi-use path that is part of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail system. It will extend the existing Freeland Path eastward from the Freeland Sports Zone in Tittabawassee Township and connect with a proposed Kochville Township path at Hospital Road.

“This will be a great addition for the greater Tri-Cities area and residents in Tittabawassee Township,” said Wakeman, who serves as vice-chair on the House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee. “It will create more area for biking, walking and really taking in what ‘Pure Michigan’ is all about. We have a wonderful, natural landscape in our state for trails and they help people stay active and enjoy recreational activity. I’m eager to see the results of these efforts.”

The full plan includes $26 million for 34 recreational development projects and 30 land acquisition projects statewide. The project investments outlined in the proposal were recommended by the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board in December. Recommendations are subject to approval by the Michigan Legislature, a process recently started within the House Appropriations Committee.

Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from the development of minerals on state land and is designated on an annual basis in partnership with local governments.

House Bill 4244 advances to the Senate for further consideration.