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99 Trust Fund Projects Clear First Legislative Hurdle

March 1st, 2012

Capital outlay projects for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) totaling more than $39 million for fiscal year 2011-2012 were approved today by the full House Committee on Appropriations with a vote of 25-1.  The only committee member voting against House Bill 5364 (H-1) in committee was Representative Dave Agema (R-Grandville), who continues his opposition to the MNRTF in his desire to divert the monies for other purposes, like the transportation and aeronautics fund.

For the upcoming fiscal year, there were 22 land acquisition projects—seven of which were State of Michigan projects and the remaining 15 will be acquired by local units of government. These 22 land acquisition projects will receive $23,610,800 from the Trust Fund. All of the project descriptions are available through the bill link above.

There are also 77 land development projects, four of which are on state public land and the remaining 73 by local governments. These land development projects will receive $16,054,400 from the Trust Fund.

Any un-obligated balance in an appropriation for a project will not revert back to the Trust Fund at the end of the year, but will continue to be used for its appropriated purpose up to three years from the date of appropriation. Also contained in this bill, there are a few funding source shifts from federal to state monies. The Department of Natural Resources received permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to utilize $4 million in federal Dingell-Johnson funds for operations and maintenance of boating access sites, freeing up Michigan State Waterways Fund money for capital outlay boating access projects which often require a longer time frame than the federal funding allows.

MUCC thanks Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake) for her sponsorship of HB 5364 and thanks to the House Appropriations Committee for taking swift action on this important bill. We encourage our members to contact your State Representative and urge them to vote Yes when this bill comes up for action on the House Floor.

  • Two_creeks

    THESE PEOPLE CONTINUE TO BUY AND SUPPORT LAND USE BUT CAN’T AFFORD TO POLICE OR KEEP UP EXISTING REC. AREAS

  • log hauler

    They keep buying land with part of this fund but they keep resticking it more, but they are taking a lot of money off the tax rolls, and it is killing our countys and townships. Its about time to use it so we can use this money for things that will enhace Michigan instead pull in the tax burden on the back of the people, enough is enough.

  • http://www.michiganoutside.com/ Drew YoungeDyke

    Sweet map!

    @log hauler: All the Payments in Lieu of Taxes for state lands purchased with Trust Fund money will be fully paid by the Trust Fund as a result of a bill package passed last summer. Also, the majority of the funding goes directly to local counties and townships for their own recreation projects.

    @Two_creeks: Now that the Trust Fund has reached its max of $500 million, only the interest will be spent. New revenues coming in from oil & gas development on state land will now go into the State Parks Endowment Fund until it reaches $800 million, which was voted into the Constitution specifically to address the issue you raised.

    This money comes from the sale of oil and gas from state land that belongs to the people of Michigan. The land purchased provides a place for the people of Michigan to hunt, fish, swim, hike, bike, paddle, ride horses, camp, trap, ski, snowshoe, and the opportunity to fully participate and appreciate our outdoor heritage. It cannot be used for any other purpose because we the people voted it into the Constitution as such. Get out there and enjoy it.

    • Amy Trotter

      Thanks Drew for your help! :)

  • Pingback: Michigan United Conservation Clubs » DNR Budget Overview –Focus on the General Fund

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