Resolutions Supporting Acquisition of the former Central Michigan Railroad Corridor for use as a non-motorized trail approved by all three Counties!
Clinton
County approved on August 30, 2005
Ionia County approved on September 26, 2005
Shiawassee County approved on October 13, 2005
(Clinton
County's Resolution)
RESOLUTION APPROVING ACQUISITION OF THE
CENTRAL MICHIGAN RAILROAD CORRIDOR
(under certain conditions)
WHEREAS, the counties of Clinton, Ionia, and Shiawassee appointed a
trail study committee, consisting of 3 representatives each, for the purpose
of exploring issues related to the acquisition of the Central Michigan railroad
corridor of 41.3 miles and conversion to a multi-use trail/linear park for
public non-motorized use and to arrive at a recommendation whether to proceed
with the acquisition and eventual development of the trail; and
WHEREAS, the trail study committee held 8 meetings since October, 2004, and studied the following critical trail issues: adjacent property concerns, including hunting, agricultural operations, property values, crime and security, and legal property title issues and trail operations issues, including management and maintenance, and the financial aspects of trail acquisition, development, and maintenance; and delivered a recommendation to the counties that they pursue acquisition of the trail; and
WHEREAS, the trail would provide a quality asset for non-motorized recreation and transportation because of its diverse environment and scenic natural areas, separation from automobile traffic, and convenient spacing of towns every 7-10 miles or so; and
WHEREAS, the county views this trail as a potential economic asset because spending by trail users would directly and indirectly benefit businesses along the way; and
WHEREAS, the county views this trail as an encouragement for healthy lifestyles, an antidote for the health problems stemming from physical inactivity, while encouraging family fitness and togetherness; and
WHEREAS, a sizeable financial donation for up to 75% of the acquisition plus expenses to complete the sale and get the trail into usable shape has been offered to Clinton, Ionia, and Shiawassee counties provided they secure at least a 25% acquisition grant match and assume the obligation to maintain the trail; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Transportation is willing to put dollars towards the 25% acquisition balance in exchange for an easement for road improvement projects at crossing points that will fully accommodate trail users; and
WHEREAS, the Friends of the Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail and others are committed to assist in fundraising for both match dollars for acquisition and maintenance funding; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
Clinton County will join with Shiawassee and Ionia counties in a formal agreement
to accept The Meijer Foundation’s offer of funding for up to $1.125
million for trail acquisition, development and establishment of a maintenance
endowment, provided that the following conditions are met:
1. A deed analysis shows that the corridor is legally intact enough for conversion
to a trail;
2. An endowment fund for trail maintenance is started and a strategy is put
in place to cover maintenance expenses for the 24 miles in Clinton County;
3. The Meijer Foundation grant is available as a match to the Michigan Natural
Resources Trust Fund or other matching funds that provides money for trail
acquisition
4. The Meijer Foundation grant is available as a match for Transportation
Enhancement grant funding or other grant dollars for development (including
engineering) of the trail;
5. The Meijer Foundation grant is available as seed money for a maintenance
endowment to help fund trail maintenance and management once the trail is
in operation
6. A suitable agreement between the 3 counties for management and operation
of the trail has been negotiated;
7. A satisfactory attempt to address adjacent landowner concerns has been
made.
However, should one or both of the other counties be unwilling or unable to participate in acquisition, development and management of the trail, Clinton County would request that The Meijer Foundation grant would be prorated by trail mile ($25,568/mile or $613,632 for the 24 miles in Clinton County) and Clinton County should proceed with acquisition, development and management of the railroad right of way and development and operation as a trail based on the Clinton County Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan approved by the County Board of Commissioners in 2002.
This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
STATE OF MICHIGAN
COUNTY OF CLINTON
I, DIANE ZUKER, Clerk of the County of Clinton do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the Clinton County Board of Commissioners at the regular meeting held August 30, 2005 and is on file in the records of this office.
_________________________________
Diane Zuker, Clinton County Clerk
Meetings
Friends of the Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING NOTICEWednesday, January 18, 2006
Clinton County RESA (in the Southpoint Mall)
1013 S. US 27, St. Johns
7:00– 9:00 PM
Please join us and find out the latest developments in the effort to establish a trail from Owosso to Ionia on the former Central Michigan Railroad corridor. We will also discuss the role of the Friends Group and establishing a Board of Directors. Please attend and find out how you can get involved.
The Friends have held nearly 30 informational meetings along the former Central Michigan Railroad corridor between Ionia and Owosso since the summer of 1999.
Future meetings will include an informational meeting geared toward the interests and concerns of adjacent property owners. Some of the topics that we are planning to cover are: how the trail will affect farming operations, perspectives of adjacent property owners who live next to existing trails, and observations of some existing trails by local law enforcement officials.
The Friends are also planning presentations and requests for support to adjacent local governments in the near future.