Grand Rapids Reporter

The Michigan House of Representatives has included $1.8 million in its 2026 state budget plan for the Kent County Youth Agriculture Association. The funding, requested by state Rep. Bryan Posthumus, R-Rockford, is intended to support the development of The Grand Agricultural Center of West Michigan (“The Grand”).

If approved by the full Legislature and signed into law by the governor, the funds will be used to provide electricity and water at a campsite along the Grand River Trail. This trail extends from Grand Haven to Shiawassee County, and the planned improvements would make it the only campsite on that route with access to both utilities. Additionally, part of the funding will go toward constructing a covered arena for agricultural shows.

“This isn’t just for Kent County, this isn’t just for West Michigan either, [it] would be the only electrified campsite on that trail that spans half the entire state of Michigan,” Posthumus said on July 29 while testifying in support of the funding in committee. It would also “help establish the state of Michigan as a premier destination for horse shows and other events that would be utilizing covered arenas.”

Posthumus currently serves as majority floor leader in the House.

The Grand’s development has been under consideration for several years. According to Posthumus, each dollar provided by the state is expected to attract a three-to-one match from other donors.

Securing this earmark was challenging due to changes in budget priorities. The House-passed budget includes just under $100 million in earmarks—a significant reduction compared to previous years when such spending reached about $1 billion. The House GOP made these cuts to reduce waste and redirect funds toward road projects. Only requests related to public safety, infrastructure, or those promising long-term impact were retained.

Posthumus argued that electrifying the campground is necessary for hosting regional and national multi-day events and will help position The Grand as a destination for large agricultural and equestrian gatherings expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

A video recording shows State Rep. Bryan Posthumus testifying before a committee in support of this request.