Consumers Energy Foundation Funds New Trail Projects, Extending Record of Support Across Michigan

Projects in Calhoun, Allegan Counties Will Receive $50,000

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May 27, 2014, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., May 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumers Energy Foundation announced today that it is supporting two hiker-biker trails in Michigan with $50,000 in new grants, building on its record of support for the state's trail system.

"We are committed to promoting Michigan residents' health and quality of life, and to promoting Pure Michigan as a tourist destination," said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. "We have supported the development of 18 trails from the Mackinac Bridge to the Indiana line because they make Michigan a more attractive place to live and work."

The foundation this month approved $25,000 grants for the Calhoun County portion of the Great Lake to Lake Trail and the Blue Star Trail, between South Haven and Saugatuck in Allegan County.

In all, the Consumers Energy Foundation has donated $238,000 to trail projects in 17 counties across Michigan. The financial support has developed more than 400 miles of trail, enough for someone to walk or bike from Muskegon to Port Huron and almost back.

"Consumers Energy has proven itself to be a valuable partner in these trail projects," said Nancy Krupiarz, executive director for the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. "While state and federal grants may be available, communities often struggle to come up with the required local match, and that is where our private sector partners, such as Consumers Energy, can make the pivotal difference in making these trails happen."

"Consumers Energy serves the entire Lower Peninsula, so we're well aware of this state's beauty and natural resources," Mengebier said. "Our state's trail system is a way everyone can share in that beauty."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

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CONSUMERS ENERGY FOUNDATION: The foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy. It provides funding for a variety of areas including education, community, civic and cultural development, social services, the environment, and emerging issues. For more information, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation

GREAT LAKE TO LAKE TRAIL: Learn more: www.michigantrails.org/trails/great-lake-lake-trail

BLUE STAR TRAIL: Learn more: http://www.fotbst.org/

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConsumersEnergyMichigan and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ConsumersEnergy.

SOURCE Consumers Energy