Paint Creek Trailways Commission Recommended for Grant to Renovate Bridge 33.7
On December 7, 2016, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) recommended funding the Paint Creek Trail Bridge 33.7 Renovation project for $300,000. The grant will match an additional $300,000 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) federal grant that was approved last summer. Bridge 33.7 is located on the Paint Creek Trail between Dutton and Silver Bell Roads in Oakland Township. The 93 year old timber pedestrian bridge, which has structural issues, is 9’ wide, 61’ long and will be replaced by a precast concrete bridge that is 14’ wide, and 60’ long.
Current photo of Bridge 33.7 on the Paint Creek Trail
“We are so excited to be recommended for funding by the MNRTF. This renovation will greatly improve accessibility for trail users as well as emergency and maintenance vehicles. This bridge is fundamental to the operations of the Paint Creek Trail and the new bridge will provide safe, continuous use of the trail for cyclists, pedestrians, equestrians, nature lovers, and anglers,” said Paint Creek Trail Manager Kristen Myers. This $756,000 project will also be partially funded by the Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission, who will provide the remaining $156,000. “The Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission, like all member communities of the Paint Creek Trail, is responsible for maintenance of their section of the Trail, including bridges. Over the years, the direction of the Paint Creek has changed, creating erosion and structural defects underneath this bridge. We are happy that the Paint Creek Trailways Commission has been recommended for funding and we look forward to working with them on this renovation project,” said Mindy Milos-Dale, Parks and Recreation Director. Preliminary work and engineering will begin this year, with the renovation scheduled for 2018. The Paint Creek Trail will be temporarily closed to through traffic when construction begins in 2018, and is expected to take up to 90 days to complete. “We will provide plenty of notice before construction begins next year so our users will be prepared. Although the closure will be inconvenient for many, our trail will still be accessible at most points,” said Myers.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is financed by royalties paid on the sale and lease of state-owned oil, gas, and mineral rights. Applications are accepted from state and local government agencies for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities. The deadline for applications is April 1 of each year, with decisions made in early December. The MNRTF makes the grant recommendations and submits them to the state legislature for approval and appropriations.
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