Atlas Twp.- A pathway is on the way.
Actually, three township trails will be the first of a network of pathways crossing the township and will be discussed at the Atlas Township Pathway committee meeting at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 2 at the township hall, 7386 S. Gale Road.
‘We’re excited to move forward with the pathway project,? said Bruce DeGrouchy, committee co-chair. ‘Actually the State of Michigan is excited too as this project moves forward.?
The pathway project was approved by township voters on Nov. 4 by a vote of 1,664 yes to 1,502 no. The 1/8 mill or $6 per year OK’d by voters will generate about $33,292 per year to fund the pathways in the township. The funding will be available for the project to go forward by March 1.
The ‘Walk, Bike, Run Atlas Township? committee formed about a year ago has gathered 358 signed petitions from residents in support of recreational paths in the township. The committee reports trails are necessary to provide a sense of community, increase property values, offer a safe location for outdoor activities, attract young families to the community, and improve the health of residents. Much of the funding for the project will come from established grant sources such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. However, matching dollars are often needed’which will be funded by the pathway millage.
During the Nov.18 township meeting, Trustee Barry June was appointed to the pathways committee as an advisor.
‘Barry is an excellent choice,? said DeGrouchy. ‘His experience with the Genesee County Parks and Recreation, along with his firsthand knowledge of trails, should be a real asset. We are now recognized as part of the county plan.?
DeGrouchy said there are three trails eyed by the committee to start.
The first is along Gale Road from the Goodrich High School to the Village of Atlas.
‘This may be the easiest trail to start with,? he said. ‘It will utilize the easement along Gale Road. The second trail will be using the old railroad grade from Dutch Road to Atlas. The trail will cross the Kearsley Creek twice and goes through the woods. Some of the property is owned by Consumers Energy and covers about three miles.?
While progress will be made over the next few months, don’t look for any dirt moved until probably 2016.
‘We are now recognized as part of the Genesee County plan,? he said. ‘The next few months we’ll have these projects ready to go so when funding sources become available we can move forward.?