Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for the Replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management (MDNRGM) for the replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge in Barton Nature Area.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) grant program provides up to $400,000.00 for the development of public outdoor recreation facilities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and trails. Applications are evaluated based on established criteria such as natural resource access and conservation, proximity to population centers, committed matching funds, financial need, and alignment with Trust Fund Board priorities-particularly regional trail connections such as the Border to Border Trail, which is part of the statewide Iron Belle Trail.
The South Barton Bridge is a 304-foot-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Huron River within Barton Nature Area. The bridge serves as a key connection along both the Border to Border Trail and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel. With the tunnel now open and providing enhanced access to Barton Nature Area, trail use across the bridge has increased significantly.
Constructed in 1991, the bridge has experienced deterioration of its steel support structure and has reached the end of its useful life. In addition to structural concerns, the existing 8-foot clear width does not meet current bicycle and pedestrian design standards. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommends a 14-foot clear width for shared-use bicycle facilities. Replacement of the bridge provides an opportunity to bring the structure up to current standards and improve the overall trail and park user ex...
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