Empire beach grant coming, other state funds in limbo

Empire Beach by Andy McFarlaneThis week’s Enterprise reports that the $481,200 grant awarded to Empire Village for its beach project by the state Natural Resources Trust Fund would be honored. The grant will pay for improvements including new restroom facilities, a redesigned parking area, a new basketball court and retaining wall. Village residents are raising funds to pay for new playground equipment.

According to the story, the jury is still out on…

  • $800,000 to fund Leelanau County purchase of 93 acres in Bingham Township where the former Veronica Valley Golf Course was once located.
  • $394,200 as requested by Suttons Bay Township to purchase 120 acres owned by the Herman family at the southwest cover of Herman Road and Co. Rd. 633.
  • $2,043,800 for Leelanau Conservancy acquisition of a conservation easement on 51 acres with public access to Leelanau State Park

Read Sigh of Relief in the Leelanau Enterprise. Photo: Empire Beach by Andy McFarlane