By David Fleet
Editor
In January, Consumers Energy announced their first “Put Your Town on the Map” competition – an effort to strengthen rural communities with grants that will energize towns in the Lower Peninsula.
Last week officials at Consumers Engergy announced that Groveland Township was selected from about 50 entries statewide as one of the 10 finalists.
Groveland Township Supervisor Bob DePalma said the project will help draw attention to the Dixie Highway, one of two original National Auto Trails.
“The Dixie Highway route was originally marked by a red stripe with the white letters ‘DH’,” said Depalma. “Travelers knew they were on the right path if the followed the stripe. So, we’re proposing to locate these stripes on nearby poles along the Dixie Highway. Also, we’ll create some posters to promote the highway for Groveland and other nearby communities.  Finally, we’ll promote the Dixie Highway Classic Car show in Groveland Township this fall.”
Township officials will be making their pitch to be chosen as the winning project April 17 at the 2019 Small Town and Rural Development Conference in Thompsonville, Mich.
Officials from Consumers Energy will provide $7,500 to the winning project, with runners-up receiving $5,000 and $2,500.