Appropriations Requests for : Huron River Watershed Council

1. Cosponsoring legislators:

No Cosponsors

Recipient Information

2. Intended legislatively directed spending item recipient:

Huron River Watershed Council

3. Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:

117 N. 1st Street Suite 100 Ann Arbor, MI 48104

4. The recipient's employer identification number:

38-1806452

Funding Details

5. Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:

$350,000.00

6. What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?

The Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) will restore, promote, and enhance the Huron River Water Trail through a two-year initiative uniting habitat restoration, public access, and community engagement. The 104-mile nationally and state designated trail links wetlands, forests, floodplains, and aquatic ecosystems previously restored through decades of investment. However, since 2019, the trail has lacked dedicated funding, leading to erosion at launches, invasive species, and declining site conditions. HRWC and partners will address these issues with at least eight annual site improvements over two years—erosion control, invasive removal, habitat-friendly access upgrades, signage, and other interventions that span across Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, and Oakland Counties—alongside river cleanups, paddling programs, and community events. Engagement is central. Ypsilanti’s Fall River Day will attract hundreds with free kayaking, education, and cultural programming. Summer interns will gain hands-on leadership in restoration while working on restoring the Trail. Guided paddles with partners will ensure underrepresented groups feel welcome, while a dedicated paddle with community leaders and funders will strengthen partnerships and visibility. Public education through kiosks, digital campaigns, and other trail signage will extend impact. Together, these strategies will bring back the Huron River Water Trail to a premier status through stewardship, access, equity, and engagement.

7. Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?

No previous funding received

8. Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:

10/1/26-9/30/28

Additional Information For Nonprofit Corporations

9. Is the recipient a nonprofit corporation?

Yes

4. Officers and active members on the board of directors:

City of Ann Arbor: Janis Bobrin, Cheryl Darnton, Molly Maciejewski, Richard Norton Ann Arbor Township: Diane O’Connell; Vice Chair Barton Hills Village: Vacant City of Belleville: Vacant City of Brighton: Vacant City of Chelsea: Steven Wright Commerce Township: Peter Schappach City of Dexter: Sanam Aldag Dexter Township: Suzanne Bade, Mark Teicher City of Flat Rock: James Martin Genoa Township: Dan Kashian, Craig Lesley Green Oak Township: Brian Lassaline Hamburg Township: Amber Bismack Huron Township: Kelly Trombly Lima Township: Bill VanRiper Livingston County: Scott Barb, Mitch Dempsey Village of Milford: Bree Bouwer Milford Township: Mary Bajcz Northfield Township: Marissa Prizgint, Steve Sherman Oakland County: Vacant Village of Pinckney: Matt Stuk Pittsfield Township: Theresa Tupacz, Matt Catanzarite Putnam Township: Jim Jensen City of Rockwood: Vacant Salem Township: Sue Bejin Scio Township: Bob Hyde South Lyon: Alexander Hansen, Suzann Martin Village of South Rockwood: Matt LaFleur; Chair Superior Township: Curt Wolf Van Buren Township: Philip Peters Walled Lake: Vacant Washtenaw County: Andrea Pierce, Charles DeGryse, Matt Doss, Yousef Rabhi Wayne County: Vacant Webster Township: Kay Stremler West Bloomfield Township: Belinda Friis; Treasurer White Lake Township: Meg Koss City of Wixom: Vacant Village of Wolverine Lake: Vacant City of Ypsilanti: Evan Sweet, Kirsten Mowrey Ypsilanti Township: Dave Bowman, Debbie Swanson

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator

• "I certify that my immediate family members, legislative staff members, and I have no direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the requested legislatively directed spending item."
• "I certify that the intended recipient of this legislatively directed spending item is not a for-profit entity."
• "I certify that the information in this form is true to the best of my knowledge."

Senator Sue Shink