MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On Tuesday March 28th, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution awarding over $2.9 million in funds to improve local trails that will begin construction sometime in 2018, $950,000 was awarded to Meridian Township for the MSU to Lake Lansing Connector Trail - Phase 1.

The money awarded for these projects was made possible through the Trail and Park Millage approved by voters in November 2014 which generates approximately $3.4 million in revenue annually.

"This is the first stretch of a three part project that would connect our county park with Michigan State University. It was also the first trail that the public most said they favored in a survey, that our County Trails Task Force conducted over a year ago," said Teri Banas, Ingham County Commissioner for the 11th District.

Meridian Township Chief Engineer Younes Ishraidi said that Phase 1 of this project will connect from Shaw Lane on MSU's campus to Park Lake Road on Grand River Avenue.

According to Banas, the trail will make it more convenient for students and faculty living in Ingham County to commute back and forth and provide beautiful pathways that further connect the community.

Funding was also approved for projects in Aurelius Township, East Lansing, Lansing, Leslie and Mason. The funds awarded will provide new construction, trail repairs and allow for volunteer support and development of a trail plan.