Governor Gretchen Whitmer this past week signed legislation authorizing $45.6 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants for recreation projects around the state, and Berrien County stands to benefit. Among the grants approved by Whitmer Tuesday is $4.7 million for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to acquire 839 acres for a new state game area near Berrien Springs. The DNR says the property has about one mile of frontage along the St. Joseph River and diverse upland forest habitats, open fields, and wetland areas. It will be used for hunting, fishing, and hiking. The land is being bought from Andrews University by the DNR. Also approved Tuesday was a $50,000 grant for the city of Bridgman for a playground renovation at Toth Park. Niles was awarded $232,000 to develop a boat launch at Niles Dam Park. $124,000 was approved for Niles Township to develop a trailhead at Ontario Street for the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail. Finally, $50,000 was approved for St. Joseph Township for a tennis court renovation at Carronde Park, and another $50,000 for St. Joseph Township for the Kedzie Kids Park playground renovation.
