LANSING, MI – Camping improvement projects are underway at two Michigan state parks.
The projects at Straits State Park in Mackinac County and Cheboygan State Park in Cheboygan County are the first of 11 across the state made possible by a slice of American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan made some of the largest infrastructure investments in Michigan history, including the biggest one-time investment in our state parks ever,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“Today’s combined $2.96 million investment in Straits and Cheboygan state parks will have an estimated economic impact of $12 million on local economies and improve facilities at both parks, making them more accessible to families. Parks are vital to the Michigan economy, supporting thousands of recreation and tourism jobs, generations billions in economic values, and offering Michiganders and visitors special places to make memories, explore the outdoors and enjoy time with loved ones.”
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The $2.21 million project at Straits State Park in St. Ignace will replace two toilet and shower buildings in the park’s upper campground.
The upper campground buildings were demolished earlier this month. The plan is to complete framing and sheathing before winter and work on the interior throughout winter. The project is set to wrap in late June 2023.
“The recent demolition at Straits State Park is significant,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson. “The work officially sets into motion a historic level of investment – made possible through federal relief funding – in Michigan’s state parks and recreation system. The work at Straits and Cheboygan will mean better, more comfortable overall camping experiences.”
At Cheboygan State Park, $750,000 will be used to upgrade the modern campground's electrical and water distribution systems.
The project includes replacing below-ground water mains, electrical conduit, meters and distribution panels, and upgraded jug fillers and electrical pedestals.
An additional $2 million is proposed in later phases for further investments in the sewer system and replacing the campground toilet and shower building.
This phase of the electric and water upgrades is scheduled for completion in May 2023, with the campground set to reopen to welcome campers by the Memorial Day weekend.
