VILLAGE OF GALIEN – RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE BERRIEN COUNTY NON-MOTORIZED VISION

RESOLUTION 2019-6-10-2

 RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE BERRIEN COUNTY NON-MOTORIZED VISION

WHEREAS non-motorized transportation is an important element for the health and quality of life for residents and an economic development tool for the communities of Berrien County and Southwest Michigan as well as a popular recreational activity for visitors to enhance their overall travel experience; and

WHEREAS a connected non-motorized system will need to be a collaborative effort of local, county, regional, State and Federal agencies.

WHEREAS the Berrien County Non-Motorized Vision will be a critical link in the overall nonmotorized network for southwest Michigan and beyond and will consist of on-road (paved shoulders and bike lanes) and off-road shared use paths.

WHEREAS the “Connecting Michigan Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan” recommends linking trailways together, gaining cooperation to encourage regional and statewide collaboration, and to create a “statewide trailways network that will provide transportation, leisure, recreation and community benefits and encourage residents ‘ active participation and support” with trailway activities; and

WHEREAS the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan is committed to encouraging walking and other forms of non-motorized movement for community health and environmental improvements; Participate and/or co-sponsor public education programs aimed at increasing walking and other forms of non-motorized commuting; Consider pedestrian and bicycle features (e.g., dedicated lanes along roadways and bridges , bulb outs, cross walks) as a part of transportation projects during the initial planning and design phases; and

WHEREAS the Strategic Leadership Council has collected input from various local, county and regional agencies and municipalities to develop this county-wide vision ; and

WHEREAS the Village of Galien has identified the provision of non-motorized transportation facilities as a priority for Berrien County in order to improve connectivity between communities, places of interest and destinations and enhance quality of life and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in the region.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village of Galien hereby endorses the Berrien County Non-Motorized Vision concept for further development. This endorsement will entail including the county-wide non-motorized plan in our community’s recreation and master plans, willing to work with adjoining municipalities on connectivity, devoting resources as available, and supporting the exploration and application of funding to implement this vision in order to make it a reality.

This RESOLUTION was offered by Board member J. Merrill , and supported by Board member J. Rochman at a meeting on June 10,2019, the members of the Village Board voted as follows:

AYES: Marsh, Darymple, Chappell, Merrill , Rochman

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Swank, Foster

The VILLAGE CLERK declared the RESOLUTION duly adopted

Dawn James, Village Clerk