Kent County accepts $150,000 grant for trail connector

Kent County has decided to accept a $150,000 state grant to pay for design of a controversial recreational trail connector. However, some county leaders say the proposed path steps on the toes of neighboring Ottawa County and treads on Michigan’s second-largest industry.

After postponing action last month, the county’s Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved Michigan Department of Natural Resources funding to support a $2.5 million link between the state-owned White Pine and Musketawa trails. The project has sparked debate because a targeted route runs through an Ottawa County farmer’s cattle-feeding operation.

The proposed nine-mile connection along a section of an old railroad line would run through land used by Wright Township farmer John Triick, whose family claims it would split its farm and endanger its business.

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