State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today announced Jackson has been awarded a state grant to extend the MLK Jr. Equality Trail in the city.

The $200,000 award from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Shared Streets and Spaces program will extend the MLK Jr. Equality Trail between Detroit Street and Trail Street, immediately north of the downtown central business district. The project will include a 10-foot-wide concrete trail, replacing the current five-foot sidewalk and in-street bike lanes.

“This is an investment in both our residents and the future of our city,” said Schmaltz, R-Jackson. “The extension of the MLK Jr. Equality Trail will encourage more foot traffic in the downtown area, support local businesses, and provide a safer route for people to walk, bike and enjoy our city.”

Schmaltz has frequently championed efforts to improve and expand the MLK Jr. Equality Trail. Earlier this year, she voted for a measure that provides Jackson with a $300,000 Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to expand the width of the trail from the Kibby Road trail entrance to Weatherwax Road. That bill was signed by the governor on Oct. 9. In 2023, she supported a measure to provide a $300,000 Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to resurface the trail from South West Avenue to the Optimist rest shelter.

###