The Lansing River Trail will add three acres of riverfront along the Grand River after the city secured a $400,000 state grant to purchase land from Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed off on the funding Friday, Aug. 21, as part of $45 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants included in the bipartisan fiscal year 2027 state budget. The package funds 75 land and park projects statewide, according to WLNS. Combined with local matching dollars, the grants leverage $108.9 million for public land and outdoor recreation across Michigan.

It already stretches more than 20 miles, connecting downtown Lansing, REO Town, Old Town, MSU and Potter Park along the Grand and Red Cedar rivers, according to the trail's website. The three-acre Norfolk Southern parcel would expand the amount of riverfront land available for the Lansing River Trail system.

Whitmer said in a statement that the grants expand access to the outdoors and protect natural resources by partnering with local communities. DNR Director Scott Bowen called the Trust Fund grants "crucial" for projects that "greatly benefit residents and local economies in every county of the state."

Lansing isn't the only mid-Michigan community benefiting. Meridian Township will receive $349,600 to develop a trailhead along the 105-mile Meridian Regional Trail System, including restrooms and universal design amenities. Clinton County got $280,000 to expand river frontage at George and Woody parks along the Clinton River, and Eaton County received $220,000 to buy 50 acres next to Lincoln Brick Park for habitat restoration and trail access.

The grant also aligns with Lansing Township's 2025 master plan, which identifies the River Trail trailhead at Clippert Street and Kalamazoo Street as a catalyst for development in its Commercial Corridor Overlay Zone.

Joe Conners, an Okemos resident who uses the trail, told WILX on Aug. 20 that he values the investment in the trail system. "I think it's actually one of the best investments in this neighborhood because I know the ability to get out and experience all these beautiful parks is so important, and I love it," Conners said.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund marks its 50th anniversary this year. Since 1976, it has awarded nearly $1.4 billion to state and local governments, funded through interest and earnings on revenues from state-owned oil, gas and mineral leases.

No timeline has been announced for the land purchase from Norfolk Southern or for construction on the new trail segment. No public meetings or community events related to the expansion have been scheduled.