STATE FUNDS HELPING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Two streetscape improvements in Grant and more than two miles of pathway along the Silver Lake Sand Dunes are on their way to aid community economic development and traffic safety, state Rep. Goeff Hansen said today.

One transportation grant is providing $361,277 to the city of Grant to enhance M-37 between Commerce and State streets, and Main Street between Front and Lake streets. A second grant to the Oceana County Road Commission will construct 2.3 miles of pathway and paved shoulders for non-motorized transportation along Silver Lake and Hazel roads, and paved shoulders on N. 34th Avenue.

"These work projects are going to immediately bring jobs and economic impact to the local communities this summer, and then once they're completed the improvements will attract more visitors and business to the area for a more sustained economic boost," said Hansen, R-Hart. "Local officials have been working on both these projects for quite some time so getting them off the to-do list is a great accomplishment for everyone."

The Grant project includes trees, benches, flower planters, trash receptacles, decorative paving and street lights reminiscent of the 1930s era. Enhancements at the city's entrances will increase awareness and traffic to the downtown business area.

The $516,110 budget includes funding matches from the city and Fremont Foundation.

The Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area project will install a 10-feet wide path linking Silver Lake State Park, businesses, existing bike routes and the Hart/Montague State Trail, constructed to bike trail standards. The $665,000 budget includes funding matches from Golden Township and the Oceana County Road Commission.
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