State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz once again voted to support funding that will help the city of Jackson improve the Martin Luther King Jr. Equality Trail.

The $300,000 Natural Resources Trust Fund grant will allow the city to expand the width of the trail from the Kibby Road trail entrance to Weatherwax Road. The city will supply an additional $300,000 in matching funds.

“Supporting the Martin Luther King Jr. Equality Trail means supporting our community’s health and well-being,” said Schmaltz, R-Jackson. “This is a practical investment that benefits everyone by keeping the trail safe and accessible for all. I’m proud to support it.”

Funding for the project is part of Senate Bill 817, which includes $27.3 million for 18 land acquisition and 35 recreational development projects throughout the state with revenues from the Natural Resources Trust Fund.

The Natural Resources Trust Fund board approved its recommendations in December 2023 and the projects were approved with overwhelming support by the Michigan House of Representatives last week. The measure will soon be presented to the governor for her expected signature.

Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from the development of minerals on state land – not general tax money – and is distributed on an annual basis in partnership with local governments. The money must be used for acquisition or recreational development projects, according to the Michigan Constitution.

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