LANSING — State Rep. Dave Pagel announced three grant recommendations from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to purchase land and develop parks and trails in Berrien County.

Pagel, of Oronoko Township, said the grants will expand recreational opportunities for families in southwest Michigan. Funding for the projects is comprised of revenue from the lease of state land and is designated on an annual basis in partnership with local governments.

“I’m really happy the Trust Fund Board has recommended funding these three Berrien County projects,” Pagel said. “We have some of the most abundant natural resources in Southwest Michigan, and the land purchase and improvement projects will enable people to better enjoy them.”

Recommended projects are:

• A $56,000 land purchase to acquire 12 acres contiguous to Love Creek County Park. The new land will be located on the northwestern border of the park.

• A proposed recreational development in Oronoko Township that includes the addition of two football/soccer fields, a concession and restroom building, a parking lot, a regional trailhead, universally accessible pathways and a section of a regional trail. The cost for the project is $278,100.

• Development of a wide, non-motorized pathway along the north side of U.S. 12 from the village of Edwardsburg to the Edwardsburg Sports Center in Ontwa Township. The connector path will allow safe travel from the Edwardsburg school system and the village’s existing network for walkways to the walking/running trails, playgrounds and athletic fields at the Sports Complex. The project will cost $40,000.

The Legislature will consider the recommendations in 2018.