Brandon Twp.’The township board unanimously approved a $5,000 funding request Tuesday night in an effort to receive a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant.
Lois Robbins, of the Brandon Preservation Committee of North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy sought the money as grant-match funds. The township and committee want to purchase 80 acres of property adjacent to Brandon High School for a nature preserve. The land is owned by the Casselman family.
The township and committee need $1.2 million to purchase the property. They hope to receive $900,000 of that amount through a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. Last year’s application for the grant was ultimately denied. Robbins hopes that with some changes to the application, including the township’s commitment of the $5,000, the grant may be approved this year.
‘This may be our last chance,? Robbins said, citing the possibility that the Casselmans may not want to wait any longer to sell the property if this grant application fails. She also noted that the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund’s funding sources are being challenged in court and may not be in existence next year.
In addressing the board, Robbins recognized the budget tightening the township has done. Supervisor Ron Lapp expressed concern over financing, saying that while he supported the project, he did not support using money from the township’s general fund.
Treasurer Linda Owen said $5,000 was the most the township can commit. If the grant fails, the township will be under no financial obligation.
In supporting the grant-match, Clerk Jeannie McCreery said, ‘This is an opportunity to preserve open space. I want it to be there for my children and grandchildren.?
Robbins is currently seeking other funding sources before the grant’s application deadline of April 1. She will also be meeting with Brandon School Board members Feb. 28 to discuss easement rights. If the Casselman property is turned into a nature preserve, it would have to be accessed through the Brandon High School driveway.