Andrea LaFontaine, executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, and colleague Megan Miernick told the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism that trails are “core infrastructure” that support recreation, health and local economies and urged sustained funding for planning and maintenance. LaFontaine summarized the group’s MyTrails 2050 initiative and said the alliance represents a mix of individuals, local governments and nonprofit members working on hiking, biking, paddling and other non‑motorized routes across Michigan.

The presenters asked lawmakers to consider long‑term funding strategies beyond the recreation passport and to consider forming an outdoor recreation caucus to coordinate legislative support for trails. LaFontaine highlighted economic studies showing local benefits where trails connect businesses and communities and said communities should plan for maintenance costs when building new trails.

Committee members asked about project timelines, right‑of‑way challenges and maintenance funding; LaFontaine said projects require “patience and perseverance” and that some communities bake maintenance funding into initial campaigns. The presenters said the alliance’s work includes advocacy, planning assistance and tools such as an e‑bike toolkit to help local projects manage emerging issues.

Ending: Committee members thanked the presenters; the committee adjourned after scheduling a follow‑up meeting to consider additional bills.