GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) – Genesee County has received a significant grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation for the expansion of local trails connecting towns and cities.

The grant, which exceeds $1 million, will be used to expand four trails across the county. These new trails will provide residents with more opportunities to explore their community.

“Once you get a bigger trail, more trails, more places it’s easier to ride,” said a local resident.

The expansion will affect the Silver Lake Road Trail in Fenton, Embury Cook Road Trail in Grand Blanc, Iron Belle Pathway in Burton, and the second phase of Perry Road Trail in Grand Blanc.

Scott Bennett, Grand Blanc Township supervisor, said these trails will provide residents with easier paths for non-motorized vehicles, making travel simpler.

“You will be able to get from Nowood Apartments to Centennial Park and into the city of Grand Blanc, all via non-motorized pathway,” Bennett said.

Bennett also highlighted safety concerns for those without designated pathways, stressing the potential dangers for pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road.

“It can be very dangerous for pedestrians as well as bicyclists, what have you. So separated pathways are the preferred pathways in our township,” Bennett said.

Construction of the new pathways is set to begin this summer and is expected to continue over the next year.