Lansing - The River Trail in downtown Lansing will soon be extended thanks to a recent grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Lansing Parks and Recreation Department received a $247,789 development grant after the city submitted an application.

The money will be used to extend the trail from the east end to the west end of Moores Park and enhance access for disabled park users and improve the look of the area.

City council President Carol Wood said the council has been trying to expand the River Trail for a while and is anxious for the changes to occur because the trail is important to the community.

The rest of the money needed for the project is taken out of park millage, but the city needs to create a fund for when the grant money is gone, she said.

The city will invest an additional $139,381 from the millage, making the total cost of the project $387,170.

"Our only concern is that we have to make sure we have enough money to not only pay for it but enough to do the maintenance for it," Wood said. "We need to make sure we have money set aside to maintain the River Trail and make improvements and replacements"

The grant will also fund realignment and paving of the gravel drive, stabilization of the river bank, fishing access along the bank and some canoe launch improvements. Many of the improvements are designed to provide more access for people with disabilities.

Murdock Jemerson, director of Lansing's Parks and Recreation Department, said he is thankful for the grant.

The trust fund Board of Trustees make final recommendations and choose what projects get funded from more than 200 applications.

Lansing Mayor Tony Benavides also looks forward to the project's completion.

"I am delighted that the Parks and Recreation Department has received this grant to allow the city to improve Moores Park to the benefit of all Lansing residents," he said.