MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Township Board voted unanimously to support a resolution for the proposed Transportation Alternative Program during Tuesday's meeting.

The Ingham County Road Department (ICRD) submitted an application to pursue grant money to construct paved shoulders on a pedestrian and bicycle path on Jolly Road from Dobie Road to Meridian Road. The Township also requested the addition of paved shoulders.

Members of the Board agreed that adding paved shoulders is a huge safety improvement because the area has a fair amount of traffic. They also noted there would need to be a compromise that ensures certain trees along the property are protected. A suggestion was made to plant new trees to replace those that are removed.

Some board members also mentioned the importance of looking at trees site to site and they said changes to tree ordinances were working in their favor.

Derek Perry, the Assistant Township Manager and Director of Public Works & Engineering, said they will work with the road department to try to preserve as many trees as possible, but the project would not force residents to plant new trees. He said that would be up to the property owner and the township would have to take on the cost.

The ICRD will submit the resolution to the Michigan Department of Transportation for further review.