Rep. LaSata offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 187.

            A resolution to encourage the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to establish a Water Trails Grant Program to support Michigan's water trails.

            Whereas, Paddling Michigan's waterways for recreation and other purposes has been a part of Michigan's long history. Paddlesports are one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the nation, contributing more than $140 million to Michigan’s economy; and

            Whereas, Michigan has over 4,700 miles of water trails, traversing some of Michigan’s most remote and natural environments as well as some of the state’s most industrial and urban environments. These water trails exist along Michigan's Great Lakes coastline, connecting to water trails in other states and provinces throughout the Great Lakes basin. Water trails help support and promote environmental awareness and stewardship of Michigan’s waterways and water quality; and

            Whereas, A formal state water trail and designation program would complement existing water trails and help solidify best practices and standards for future water trail development. A competitive criteria-based grant program under the auspices of a formal state water trail program would provide much needed support and resources for planning efforts, capital improvement projects, marketing materials, and water safety programs for water trails. Such a program could provide, with available funding, a competitive and score-based grant fund to support capital improvements, including signage, kayak racks, restrooms, accessible launches, picnic areas, pavilions, boat washing stations, portages, trash containers, promotional materials, and water safety and marine patrol programs along water trails regardless of their state or federal designation. In addition, the program could support the michiganwatertrails.org website; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to establish a Water Trails Grant Program to support Michigan's water trails; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the members of the Natural Resources Commission.