The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating definitions and provisions related to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Notably, it expands the definition of "local unit of government or public authority" to include "board of county road commissioners" and removes the requirement that these entities be "legally constituted to provide public recreation." Additionally, the bill clarifies that both state departments and local units of government or public authorities can act alone or in partnership for the acquisition and development of land for recreational uses or environmental protection.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that grants from the trust fund can be awarded to local units of government or public authorities, which must match at least 25% of the total project cost. It mandates that a minimum of 25% of the trust fund's annual expenditures be allocated for land acquisition and another 25% for the development of public recreation facilities. The bill also outlines the financial obligations of the state if property acquired with trust fund money is sold or transferred to a nongovernmental entity, ensuring that the trust fund is reimbursed appropriately based on the sale or transfer value.
Statutes affected: Senate Introduced Bill: 324.1901, 324.1903