<small> Posted: Mon 5:03 PM, May 04, 2020
</small>HOUGHTON COUNTY, Mich. (WLUC) - In consultation with local officials, trail sponsors and legislators, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working toward construction of a single multi-use trail corridor between Dollar Bay and Lake Linden.
However, given anticipated negative impacts to state and federal budgets extending from the coronavirus crisis, work on this project, and many others, will be delayed indefinitely. Work will resume as soon as financially possible.
Revamped trail connection
The new route the DNR is planning for will merge portions of three former railroad grades – since converted to state-managed trails – that run parallel for roughly 14 miles.
Developing this new, single-trail corridor will open a trail connection that has been closed since devastating flooding occurred June 17, 2018, when 7 inches of rain fell over parts of Houghton County in a 9-hour period.
“Executive orders place a limit on spending due to the severe economic impact of the coronavirus,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “This forced us to postpone the Dollar Bay to Lake Linden trail project until further notice. We remain committed to completing this restoration when it is financially feasible.”
The DNR will continue to work toward securing full funding for this important project, exploring all opportunities to fill the gap in funding needed.
