Meeting Addresses Plan For Livingston County Recreation PathsMeeting Addresses Plan For Livingston County Recreation Paths

9/5/14- Non-motorized paths in Livingston County will be receiving attention after an open forum yesterday afternoon. The Howell Carnegie Library hosted the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, as well as interested locals and county officials. All came together to discuss connecting biking and walking paths throughout the county and those adjacent. Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Monroe County are also included in the plan’s region. SEMCOG Representative Brian Pawlik, tells WHMI public input will be used to address each county’s needs. The Michigan Department of Transportation is in a partnership with SEMCOG for the project that they hope will make the trails safer and more accessible. Pawlik, who is also working on implementing the plan, encourages bikers and walkers for reasons beyond good health. He says economic development and a safer environment are some benefits to making motorists more aware of residents on non-motorized paths. SEMCOG will evaluate the plan’s success by monitoring the biker and walker count for cost efficiency. Pawlik believes if it fits into the county’s “grand vision”, it will have the ability to fund future projects. The final meeting, which focuses on Washtenaw County, will take place in Ypsilanti on Thursday, September 18th. (DK)