Trails in the News - Press Clipping Files

12/31/2007

NEMCOG to Develop Non-Motorized Transportation Plan

Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) is kicking off a one-year planning effort funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation to develop a comprehensive, regional non-motorized transportation plan and investment strategy for 11 counties in the northeastern Lower Peninsula.

The trails summit/kick-off meeting will be from 1-5 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the Treetops Resort in Gaylord.

The 11 counties to be be utilized by the Michigan Department of Transportation and local officials are Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon counties to prioritize project implementation, identify funding sources and guide investment in the region's non-motorized transportation system. The project will build off and utilize the data and maps developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments for the MDOT-funded Non-Motorized Trail Mapping Project.

“This project offers anyone interested the opportunity to work with others, both private citizens and governmental agencies, who share their visions of a connected trail network throughout Northeast Michigan,” said Nico Tucker, transportation planner at NEMCOG.
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The MDOT North Region Office initiated the planning effort. The development of a comprehensive plan and the identification of priority projects within this area will help guide MDOT's investment in the region's non-motorized transportation system.

Activities associated with the project's implementation that will be performed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments include a series of meetings will be across the 11 county planning area and the creation of individual maps, illustrating existing infrastructure assets and natural features information, utilizing the data already gathered by the council during the MDOT-funded Non-Motorized Trail Mapping Project.

Local community input is crucial to the success of this planning effort. The process will examine existing trails, proposed future trails and potential connectors between trails and points of interest. To encourage public involvement a project Web site that explains the initiative and includes an interactive component to gather public input will be created and maintained on NEMCOG’s Web site, www.nemcog.org. In addition, tabletop displays will be placed in public libraries with pre-addressed comment forms that allow interested parties to provide comments.

At the culmination of public and community input component, a plan will be drafted and made available to stakeholders for their review and comments. Key stakeholders will be asked to endorse the plan. After which the plan will be submitted to MDOT.

For additional information on the Northeast Michigan Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy go to www.nemcog.org and look under “projects” or call Tucker at (989) 732-3551 ext. 20.

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