MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A trail for walking and biking connecting Michigan State University to Meridian Township is underway.

The Ingham County Finance Committee approved $645,000 for the MSU to Lake Lansing connector of this trail system, according to 12th District Ingham County Commissioner Mark Polsdofer.

Polsdofer said the trail will begin at Hagadorn Road around the Shaw Lane area continuing to the north side of Cedar River extending to the Park Lake intersection with Grand River.

The Ingham County Commissioner said this trail will increase connectivity within the community.

"And so that's going to be a phase that I think will really enhance our ability to not only add connectivity with Lansing and East Lansing, but for campus, it's going to make it a lot easier for people living on Dormitory Row and so forth to have a pedestrian and bike access to some of the restaurants and businesses along that corridor leading up to the Park Lake, Grand River intersection," Polsdofer said.

Polsdofer said the trail is being funded in part through Meridian Township, a voter-approved millage, and the $645,000 coming from the park budget.

Polsdofer said he advocated for the creation of this trail because it was something that was brought to his attention while he was campaigning last year.

"One of the things I heard from people throughout the district was a desire to have increased access to MSU from Meridian Township and have non-motorized and bike paths that will allow people to do that," Polsdofer said. "And so I'm very excited that we're able to get such a large commitment of dollars to get this project underway."

Polsdofer said construction for the trail is set to begin in fall of 2020.