County Gives $10,000 to Path Project
By Karen Gould

The proposed North Huron Scenic Pathway has received $10,000 from the Mackinac County Board of Commissioners to help fund an engineering and feasibility study. The study is estimated to cost between $25,000 and $28,000 for a biking and hiking pathway that will span eight communities in Mackinac and Chippewa counties.

Commissioners agreed to support the trail study at their meeting Thursday, July 27, following a request from Deb Evashevski, chair of the trail steering committee and director of the St. Ignace Downtown Development Authority, and Michelle Walk, facilitator for the committee and Mackinac County Extension director. They plan to make a similar pitch to Chippewa County commissioners.

Clark Township also will provide some funding, said Ms. Walk.

The proposed 70 mile pathway from St. Ignace to DeTour Village could boost tourism and provide recreational activities. It will cross the townships of St. Ignace, Marquette, Clark, Raber, and DeTour.

Commissioners made their contribution to the engineering study with the stipulation that they receive representation on the steering committee, but with all commission seats up for re-election this year, they took note that an appointment to that committee likely will be made in January.

Ms. Walk said the study will identify the best location for the trail based on soil erosion and environmental factors. The report also will provide details on the path's composition, including base and surface material that would work with the area's climate, and an estimate for construction and maintenance costs would be a part of the study. The trail will cross public and private land.

Townships will be expected to help provide the funds to complete the trail and grant options also are being explored, explained Ms. Walk. Once the study is complete, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be contacted and are considered primary sources for financial support.

"I do know that we're talking about millions of dollars down the line," said Mrs. Evashevski. "I do also know that MDOT and the DNR really like long pathways and we're talking about 70-plus miles of pathways."

The county road commissions will also be involved, Ms. Walk said.

"I think if we're using this as an economic development project, I can support this," said Commissioner Carl Frazier of the grant.

This is the second economic development grant commissioners have made since slicing the Mackinac County Economic Development Corporation budget at the end of 2005, from $59,200 to $1,750, because they didn't think the EDC was effective. The $1,750 is now depleted, reported the county clerk's office Monday, August 7.

Earlier this year, commissioners contributed $5,000 to assist in erecting a lighthouse in St. Ignace. At that time, commissioners agreed the lighthouse is the kind of project that will help promote economic development in the area and speculated they would consider similar gifts to projects that will stimulate economic growth in the county.

Ms. Walk, who also chairs the EDC, said the seven-member board continues to meet monthly, with each member receiving $60 per meeting attended. Commission Chair Dawn Nelson represents commissioners on the EDC board. With no funds left in the budget and projects underway, the EDC may have to ask for a budget amendment from county commissioners, said Ms. Walk. Also, the EDC has two openings on its board, she added.

County commissioners next meet Thursday, August 10, at 2 p.m. at the Mackinac County Courthouse Annex.