INGHAM COUNTY - In November 2014, Ingham County residents passed a bill to raise $3.5 million dollars over the next six years. The millage will be used to fix parks and trails around the counties.

Nearly six months later, the task force comprising of 11 county park commissioners have met and decided to open applications for a consultant who can design parks and recognize those that need repairs.

"We decided a couple months ago that we'd hire a consultant, because there are people who are experts in designing trails," said Ingham County Commissioner Teri Banas. "We wanted to hire a consultant who, ideally within four months, give us some recommendations in some key areas."

Banas said the commission will begin to accept applications in the coming weeks. She believes that one of the main goals of the task force is to connect trails between Lansing, East Lansing, and Meridian Township.