State of Michigan Awards $1 Million for Treeline Gateway Expansion in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Oct. 10, 2025 — The City of Ann Arbor is set to receive $1 million in dedicated funding through the newly signed State of Michigan budget to support the engineering and design of the northernmost segment of the Treeline, known as The Gateway.

This critical segment will serve as a vibrant connector between downtown Ann Arbor and the Huron River, linking key destinations including the Border to Border Trail (B2B), the Argo Cascades, and the newly developed Broadway Park West. The Gateway will intersect the B2B trail at the Depot pedestrian tunnel, span above Depot Street, Summit Street, and North Main Street, and return to grade at 721 N. Main Street, the site of the former city maintenance yard.

The City of Ann Arbor and the Treeline Conservancy extend their sincere appreciation to the State of Michigan for this vital support, and to the dedicated legislators who championed this funding request. The initiative was sponsored in the House by Representatives Jason Morgan, Jennifer Conlin, Morgan Foreman, and Carrie Rheingans, and in the Senate by Senators Sue Shink and Jeff Irwin.

“These funds represent a huge leap forward for the Treeline,” stated Cynthia VanRenterghem, executive director for development. “It gets us over a third of the way to the $2.8 million needed for this phase of the project. We’d like to thank Representative Morgan and Senator Shink for championing safe non-motorized trails and greenways throughout their districts and this project in particular.” 

“We’d also like to thank the City of Ann Arbor for their close partnership with us on this important project,” stated Norman Herbert, co-chair of the Treeline Conservancy. “Together, we are developing a safe and accessible corridor for our families and people of all ages from downtown Ann Arbor to the Huron River and all it has to offer.”

Ann Arbor City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. added, “The Treeline has been a shared aspiration for nearly 20 years. The city joins in celebrating this state funding and the many benefits the new Gateway will bring to our community members, enabling easier, motor-free movement throughout the city; incorporating features that protect the environment and support sustainability goals; and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents, students, and visitors.”

“Ann Arbor is at its best when we work together, and this collaboration with the Treeline Conservancy to bring the Gateway to fruition is a shining example,” said Mayor Christopher Taylor. “We take great pride in this partnership and in the significance the state has placed on the Gateway project through this $1 million allocation. The city joins in expressing deep gratitude to our state legislators for their support in making this long-awaited vision a reality.”

Treeline Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Ann Arbor, will soon issue a jointly sponsored Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design and engineering of the Gateway segment. This marks a significant next step in initiating the next stage of development for the Trail.

Learn more about the Treeline at www.thetreeline.org. 

About The Treeline Conservancy

The Treeline transforms the historic Allen Creek into a safe, accessible green corridor and includes a signature bridge that weaves the Huron River into our urban fabric, connects neighborhoods, promotes environmental stewardship, and enhances the economic and cultural vitality of Ann Arbor for generations to come.

A 2.5-mile pathway defined by three segments, the Gateway, the Neighborhood, and Wolverine Way, the Treeline serves pedestrians, cyclists, businesses, neighbors and visitors alike.

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Media Contacts: 

Joanna Satterlee, Communications Manager, jesatterlee@a2gov.org  – and – Cynthia VanRenterghem, The Treeline Conservancy, cynthia@thetreeline.org