Michigan’s national parks are set to become more accessible and sustainable, thanks to a new round of grant funding for innovative mobility solutions. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, in partnership with the National Park Service Mobility Challenge, announced the grants as part of a program aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and promoting environmental conservation across Michigan’s national parks.
The program has awarded grants to three projects addressing various aspects of park accessibility. ADASTEC, a leader in automated public transportation solutions, received a $250,000 grant to deploy an automated, electric bus at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The bus will transport visitors along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, offering a unique blend of innovation and natural beauty while reducing congestion and enhancing safety.
Cemre Kavvasoglu, product management director at ADASTEC North America, stated, “This project underscores our commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and innovation in public transportation. By working alongside Vicinity Motor Corp and ARIBO, leveraging our extensive deployment experience, we aim to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the natural beauty of the national parks.”
The Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy received a $240,000 grant to install multi-modal chargers in NPS gateway communities. These charging stations will support electric vehicle infrastructure near Keweenaw National Historical Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and in Marquette. The project involves partners including FLO Charging, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and local municipalities and utilities.
Addressing the needs of visitors with mobility challenges, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was awarded a $10,000 grant to deploy off-road track wheelchairs. These specialized wheelchairs are designed to navigate rugged terrain, allowing visitors with mobility limitations to explore previously inaccessible areas of the parks.
These projects support the goals of the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan and align with the objectives of the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s Michigan Future Mobility Plan. Justine Johnson, chief mobility officer for the State of Michigan, emphasized the significance of these initiatives in contributing to a more “interconnected” and “sustainable” future.
“I am incredibly excited about the progress we have made in advancing sustainable mobility within our national parks,” said Johnson. “These new initiatives not only reflect Michigan’s innovative capabilities but also significantly contribute to our broader mobility ecosystem, propelling us toward a more interconnected and sustainable future.”
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist highlighted the importance of these grants, stating, “Every Michigander should be able to enjoy the incredible natural resources we are blessed to steward.”
“These grants represent a key milestone in our efforts alongside the National Park Service to pioneer future mobility in our state and national parks. We will keep working hard to build on our historic investments in Michigan parks, improve our park experiences, grow our economy, and preserve our natural landscapes for decades to come,” Gilchrist added.
These grants are part of a broader initiative by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who have invested in parks and outdoor recreation facilities since taking office. This investment supports transportation, sustainability, and accessibility at each of the state’s locations, setting a new standard for inclusive and environmentally conscious park management.