We are proud to announce that the Federal Department of Transportation 2012 Public Lands Highway Discretionary (PLHD) program has awarded $1.62 million for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The PLHD funds will be used to construct 3.17 miles of the trail starting at Port Oneida Road and ending at Leelanau County Road 669/Bohemian Road.
“The trail partners and supporters are very thankful for this grant award to continue towards expanding the trail,” said Patty O’Donnell of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, project manager for the SBHT. “The award recognizes that the SBHT will provide a meaningful transportation alternative for residents and visitors, as well as an outstanding recreational opportunity for all users, that is being demonstrated on the first completed section from the National Lakeshore’s Dune Climb to Glen Arbor.”
National Lakeshore Superintendent Dusty Shultz noted that the grant award will help to extend the already-popular trail to more areas of the park as planned. “So many visitors have complimented us on the SBHT between the Dune Climb and Glen Arbor,” said Shultz. “A concern we do hear often is that the trail is too short; however, thanks to this grant, visitors will be provided the added opportunity for a longer visit on the trail, to new and interesting areas of the park.”
The PLHD program provides funding for transportation planning, research, and engineering and construction of highways, roads, parkways, and transit facilities that are within, adjacent to, or provide access to federal public lands which includes national parks, refuges, forests, recreation areas, and grasslands.
