FY 2022-23 MNRTF APPROPRIATION H.B. 4238:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 4238 (as introduced 3-9-23)
Sponsor: Representative Joey Andrews
House Committee: Appropriations Subcommittee on Joint Capital Outlay
CONTENT
On December 14, 2022, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board adopted fiscal year (FY) 2022-23 recommendations for acquisition and development projects under Article IX, Section 35 of the Michigan Constitution and the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The recommendation includes $23.3 million for 45 projects. The recommended appropriation would include 15 acquisition projects ($15.0 million) and 30 development projects ($8.3 million). Since its inception in 1976, the MNRTF has been used to fund 2,715 projects totaling $1.3 billion.
MNRTF Background
Each year, the MNRTF Board receives project applications from local units of government and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These projects are scored by DNR staff using a rubric and then presented to the Board so priority can be assigned and grants can be awarded. The process for selecting projects is outlined in Article IX, Section 35(6) of the Michigan Constitution: The legislature shall provide by law for the establishment of a trust fund board within the department of natural resources. The trust fund board shall recommend the projects to be funded. The board shall submit its recommendations to the governor who shall submit the board's recommendations to the legislature in an appropriations bill.
In accordance with the Constitution, each year, typically in December, the MNRTF Board votes on applications received for MNRTF projects that year. Before approval is granted, as mentioned above, each project is scored by DNR staff, and the Board meets several times to review projects, hear testimony from interested parties, and discuss the merits of each project. Following the Board's approval, the project recommendations are included in a draft bill that is presented to the Legislature by the Governor. The total dollar amount of these project recommendations is left to the discretion of the Board.
The MNRTF was capitalized through deposits of bonuses, rentals, delayed rentals, and royalties collected or reserved by the State under provisions of leases for the extraction of nonrenewable resources from State-owned land. The revenue accruing under leases of State-owned land acquired with money from the State or Federal Game and Fish Protection Fund, is not included. Before 2011, under the Michigan Constitution, annual expenditures consisted of MNRTF interest and earnings and 33⅓% of MNRTF revenue received by the State during the previous fiscal year. These expenditures continued until the corpus of the MNRTF reached $500.0 million, which it did in 2011, thereby limiting subsequent annual expenditures to interest and investment earnings and funding carried forward from previous years.
This language was replaced after 2020, when Proposal 2020-1 amended the Constitution. The Constitution now specifies that after the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund reaches its $800.0 million limit, revenue from bonuses, rentals, delayed rentals, and royalties must be deposited in the MNRTF. The change eliminated the MNRTF's previous $500.0 million cap and allows this revenue to be deposited back into the Trust Fund.
The amended Michigan Constitution requires a minimum of 25.0% of Fund revenue to be spent for acquisition, and a minimum of 25.0% to be made available for development. Trust Fund revenue also may be used to pay for the administration of the Fund, as well as for payments in lieu of taxes.
Boilerplate
Sec. 201. Provides totals for payments to local units of government.
Sec. 202. Specifies that appropriations are subject to the Management and Budget Act.
Sec. 301. Provides criteria for agreements with local units of government for administration of MNRTF grants.
Sec. 302. Provides for work project status of grants. Requires funds to be carried forward consistent with Section 248 of the Management and Budget Act.
Sec. 303. Identifies withdrawn projects so that those funds may lapse.
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would appropriate $23,306,200 from the MNRTF for 15 acquisition projects and 30 development projects. Matching funds provided by local communities of $15,838,700 for local projects would result in total project costs of $39,144,900. The bill would match the Governor's request in Supplemental 2023-4.
|
FY 2022-23 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) |
||||
|
Projects |
Number of Projects |
Total Cost |
Local Match |
Trust Fund |
|
Acquisition Projects |
|
|||
|
State-owned |
7 |
$11,198,000 |
$500,000 |
$10,698,000 |
|
Local Government |
8 |
6,814,200 |
2,508,700 |
4,305,500 |
|
Subtotal Acquisition Projects |
15 |
$18,012,200 |
$3,008,700 |
15,003,500 |
|
|
|
|||
|
Development Projects |
|
|||
|
State-owned |
0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Local Government |
30 |
21,132,700 |
12,830,000 |
8,302,700 |
|
Subtotal Development Projects |
30 |
$21,132,700 |
$12,830,000 |
$8,302,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
45 |
$39,144,900 |
$15,838,700 |
$23,306,200 |
Fiscal Analyst: Chris Semrinec
S2324\h4238sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
FY 2022-23 NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND LAND ACQUISITION PROJECTS
|
Priority |
Project(1) |
Proposed Owner |
County Location |
Total Cost |
Local Match |
Trust Fund |
|
1 |
Edward B. Wojan Park Expansion. Acquisition of 2.9 acres on Beaver Island, with Lake Michigan harbor frontage of 393 feet adjacent to the public beach. The property is undeveloped beach and woodland. |
St. James Township |
Charlevoix |
$980,800 |
$455,800 |
$525,000 |
|
2 |
Jaxon Creek Headwaters. Acquisition of 160 acres of forestland, including the headwaters and a quarter mile of Jaxon Creek, a cold-water trout stream that is a tributary to the Boardman River. This upland property includes aspen, pine, and oak. The remainder consists of lowland conifer around the headwaters of Jaxon Creek. Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, trapping, and hiking. |
DNR – Forest Resources Division |
Grand Traverse |
650,000 |
0 |
650,000 |
|
3 |
Sturgeon River Corridor Acquisition. Acquisition of 440 acres of forestland, including over three quarters of a mile of Sturgeon River corridor, in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The property includes both lowland conifer forest in areas along the river and upland cover types on the remainder of the parcel. Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, hiking, and birdwatching. |
DNR – Forest Resources Division |
Otsego |
1,750,000 |
0 |
1,750,000 |
|
4 |
Rosy Mound Acquisition. Acquisition of a 127-acre dune site northeast of the Rosy Mound Natural Area. The acquisition would create a 291-acre park on Lake Michigan. This park includes 116 acres of state-designated critical dunes, lake and dune views, forested trails, and 3,460 feet of natural beach. |
Ottawa County |
Ottawa |
2,357,200 |
707,200 |
1,650,000 |
|
5 |
Crow Island State Game Area Addition. Acquisition of 408 acres added to the Crow Island State Game Area. Acquisition of the property within the Saginaw River floodplain would increase managed wildlife habitat and public ownership of flood storage capacity within the watershed. It will also act as a wetland filter for the river and increase acreage open to recreation near an urban area. The Iron-Belle Trail passes by the property, which also has more than a half-mile of frontage on the river. |
DNR – Wildlife Division |
Bay |
1,800,000 |
500,000 |
1,300,000 |
|
6 |
Portland State Game Area Addition. Acquisition of 53 acres for the Portland State Game Area. The property has rolling to flat topography with about a half mile of frontage on the Grand River. The land is forested and provides habitat for both game and non-game species. The property will provide habitat conservation, land consolidation, and recreation opportunities including hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and fishing. |
DNR – Wildlife Division |
Ionia |
700,000 |
0 |
700,000 |
|
7 |
Fort Wilkins - Keweenaw Point Acquisition. Acquisition of approximately 4,000 acres near Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. The addition will consolidate state land holdings in the Keweenaw Peninsula for recreation and natural resource conservation. The property consists of rugged terrain, lakes, streams, snowmobile trails, mountain bike trails, and off-road-vehicle trails. Other recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, hiking, paddle-sports, wildlife viewing, and winter sports. |
DNR – Parks and Recreation Division |
Keweenaw |
5,000,000 |
0 |
5,000,000 |
|
8 |
Paw Paw River Land Acquisition. Acquisition of 351 acres to create a state game area in Waverly Township. The land is primarily forested wetland and provides habitat for deer, small game, and waterfowl. It also has about 1.2 miles of frontage on the Paw Paw River, a fishery for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike, and seasonal runs of salmon and steelhead. |
DNR – Wildlife Division |
Van Buren |
900,000 |
0 |
900,000 |
|
9 |
Saline Preserve Acquisition. Acquisition of 44.8 acres of natural land in Saline Township, including 3,700 feet of frontage on the Saline River. This preserve will join a series of parks and preserves along the Saline River and be connected to the Leslee Niethammer Preserve. Features include amphibian habitat, floodplain forest, mesic sensitive slopes, dogwood shrub, marsh, and grassland. |
Washtenaw County |
Washtenaw |
1,354,600 |
812,800 |
541,800 |
|
10 |
Almont Community Park Expansion. Acquisition of 2.28 acres to expand the Almont Community Park, a 14- acre park. This addition has frontage on the north branch of the Clinton River and South Main Street in Almont. |
Village of Almont |
Lapeer |
100,000 |
25,000 |
75,000 |
|
11 |
Lakeshore Campground Acquisition. Acquisition of a 4-acre parcel on US-2 adjacent to the Lakeshore Campground on Lake Michigan. This acquisition will allow the park and campground to be expanded by 9 acres. The campground features sites with full hook-up, pull-through sites, and rustic tent-only sites. The park includes a beach on Lake Michigan, pavilion, playground, and boardwalk. The acquisition will allow the development of a trailhead on US-2 for the Iron Belle Trail. |
City of Manistique |
Schoolcraft |
460,000 |
115,000 |
345,000 |
|
12 |
Berston Property Acquisition. Acquisition of seven acres in 37 parcels, adjacent to the Berston Fieldhouse at Berston Park in Flint. The properties are vacant residential and commercial land, with some being occupied and some abandoned. Consideration for future development will include landscaping and community-based outdoor recreation. |
Genesee County |
Genesee |
24,500 |
6,500 |
18,000 |
|
13 |
Iron Ore Heritage Trail - Single Track Trail Acquisition. Acquisition of 176 acres of natural area adjacent to the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The property will be developed for a single-track internal loop trail in Negaunee and Marquette Townships. The system will provide space along the main trail corridor for snow bikes, mountain bikes, hikers, snowshoers, hand cyclists, and cross-country skiers. The property offers views of Lake Superior, Hogback Mountain, and Sugarloaf Mountain as well as access to Bishop Creek. |
Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority |
Marquette |
203,800 |
53,100 |
150,700 |
|
14 |
Rouge River Acquisition. Acquisition of eight acres of property within the Rouge River Watershed, with approximately 800 linear feet of river frontage in Beverly Hills. This acquisition will allow for future development of a community park in the southwest area of the village, with access to the river. Features will include nature trails, a kayak launch, a playground, and community gathering space. |
Village of Beverly Hills |
Oakland |
1,333,400 |
333,400 |
1,000,000 |
|
15 |
Backus Creek State Game Area Addition. Acquisition of 480 acres adjacent to the 4,379-acre Backus Creek State Game Area. Acquiring the parcel would provide full control of the Backus Lake flood zone without risk of inundating private property. The property has state land on three sides. Acquisition would reduce the public/private boundary interface by two miles. This property would be managed as part of the Backus Creek Grouse Enhancement Management Site. |
DNR - Wildlife Division |
Roscommon |
398,000 |
0 |
398,000 |
|
|
AQUISITION PROJECT SUMMARY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State of Michigan Ownership (7 Projects) |
$11,198,000 |
$500,000 |
$10,698,000 |
||
|
|
$6,814,200 |
$2,508,700 |
$4,305,500 |
|||
|
|
TOTAL: |
|
|
$18,012,200 |
$3,008,700 |
$15,003,500 |
([1]) Project descriptions provided by the Department of Natural Resources.
FY 2022-23 NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
|
Priority |
Project(1) |
Proposed Owner |
County Location |
Total Cost |
Local Match |
Trust Fund |
|
1 |
Finn Road Park and Lake Access Improvements. Development of an accessible launch for kayaks and canoes, an accessible play structure, paved ADA-compliant parking, access pathways, interpretive signage, and rain garden with native plantings. Canoes and kayaks will have water access to the Quanicassee Wildlife Area from Saginaw Bay. |
Hampton Charter Township |
Bay |
$403,000 |
$150,000 |
$253,000 |
|
2 |
North Country Trail Connection and Trailhead. Development of a new trailhead along US-131 connecting to the North Country Trail and Iron Belle Trail route through Kalkaska. Improvements will allow for the re-routing of 2.2 miles of road shoulder trail by creating a 1.4-mile non-motorized boardwalk/trail crossing and accessible pathway to a new trailhead parking area. |
Village of Kalkaska |
Kalkaska |
550,000 |
250,000 |
300,000 |
|
3 |
Delhi Metropark - Canoe and Kayak Launch Renovation. Renovation of a canoe and kayak launch with a floating dock system and solar lights, walkways, and parking. Amenities include picnic tables, benches, bike hoops, pet waste stations, vault toilets, native landscaping, and a bio-swale. The park is located on the Border-to-Border Trail, part of the Iron Belle Trail network. |
Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority |
Washtenaw |
621,600 |
321,600 |
300,000 |
|
4 |
McCoy Creek Trail Extension to River St. Joe Brewery. Development of a one-mile extension of the McCoy Creek Trail, from the existing terminus at E.B. Clark Woods, along Schirmer Parkway and Walton Road and across the St. Joseph River. |
City of Buchanan |
Berrien |
819,800 |
519,800 |
300,000 |
|
5 |
Northern Tier Trail Extension to Coolidge Road. Construction of a 10-foot-wide pathway extension of the Northern Tier Trail from the East Lansing Soccer Complex to Coolidge Road. Interpretive signage, wayfinding signage, and resting spots will be located along the route. |
City of East Lansing |
Ingham |
660,000 |
360,000 |
300,000 |
|
6 |
Smiths Crossing Historic Bridge Renovation. Renovation of the Smiths Crossing Historic Bridge into a pedestrian bridge over the Tittabawassee River and paved connection along Smiths Crossing Road. This project will renovate a 300-foot-long bridge built in 1907 that is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. The trail will be a universally accessible path at least 10 feet in width. |
Midland County |
Midland |
4,153,100 |
3,853,100 |
300,000 |
|
7 |
Iron Ore Heritage Trail Extension to Lakenenland. Improvement of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in Chocolay Township. The new aggregate trail will be 12 feet wide and accommodate multiple user groups. A new trailhead at Lakenenland will include accessible parking, a kiosk with trail maps and information, a bench, a bike rack, and a bike repair station. The trailhead will be the eastern terminus of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. |
Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority |
Marquette |
606,400 |
306,400 |
300,000 |
|
8 |
Ott Preserve Iron Belle Trailhead Improvements. Development of the Ott Biological Preserve Iron Belle Trailhead to add a restroom, picnic tables, paved ADA-compliant parking, and other amenities to serve visitors of the Iron Belle, North Country, and Great Lake-to-Lake Trail routes. |
Calhoun County |
Calhoun |
418,000 |
167,200 |
250,800 |
|
9 |
Martin Luther King Jr. Equality Trail Project. Renovation expansion of Martin Luther King Jr. Equality Trail from West Avenue to the Optimist Shelter. This trail will connect to the Falling Waters Trail and is part of the Iron Belle and Lake-to-Lake Trail System. |
City of Jackson |
Jackson |
600,000 |
300,000 |
300,000 |
|
10 |
Michigan State University to Lake Lansing Connector Trail, Lake Lansing Park North. Improvement of approximately 5,500 linear feet of existing trail with crushed stone to provide an ADA-accessible connection through the park to the Michigan State University to Lake Lansing Trail. Improvements will also include benches, interpretive signs, trailhead and ethics signage, mile markers, bike racks, and native plantings. |
Ingham County |
Ingham |
600,000 |
300,000 |
300,000 |
|
11 |
Riverwalk Trail and Crooked Bridge Restoration. Renovation of the Crooked Bridge over the Saginaw River, including new decking, structural and railing repair, and lowered railing for ADA-accessible fishing and wildlife viewing. The project will also include lighting and electrical upgrades on the bridge, new benches, new paved approaches, ADA-accessible picnic nodes, interpretive signage, and parking lot striping at Bigelow Park with an additional ADA-compliant parking space. |
City of Bay City |
Bay |
971,200 |
671,200 |
300,000 |
|
12 |
North Channel County Park Improvements. Development of North Channel County Park, including improvements to the park entrance and development of a trailhead for the adjacent Bridge-to-Bay Regional Trail. Amenities include a bike rack, bike repair station, parking lot with ADA-compliant spaces, accessible walkways to the trailhead, picnic area, educational signage, and a kiosk for trail information. |
St. Clair County |
St. Clair |
550,000 |
280,000 |
270,000 |
|
13 |
Pentoga Park Boat Launch and Iron Belle Trailhead. Replacement of the boat launch, addition of a vault toilet, and accessible parking improvements. The launch site will be a trailhead connecting the park to the Iron County Heritage Trail. The park is 66 acres on Chicagon Lake and features a campground, beach, and picnic pavilion. |
Iron County |
Iron |
172,500 |
51,800 |
120,700 |
|
14 |
Bennett Park Renovations and Huron River Water Trail Access. Renovation of park facilities and accessibility upgrades. Improvements include the replacement of pathways and playground, expansion of accessible parking, canoe and kayak launch replacement, and Hall's Creek paved path addition. |
Hamburg Township |
Livingston |
502,500 |
202,500 |
300,000 |
|
15 |
Ottawa Sands Lake Loop and Idema Explorers Connector. Construction of a trailhead near Ottawa Sands Park. This project includes a paved parking area, accessible 1.6-mile paved loop around Ottawa Sands Lake, and a connection to the Idema Explorers Trail system. |
Ottawa County |
Ottawa |
991,900 |
691,900 |
300,000 |
|
16 |
Bangor Township Park and River Access Improvement. Development of a universally accessible canoe/kayak launch and pavilion at the Independence Boat Launch near the Saginaw River. Improvements will increase the usability of the launch by adding amenities and improving safety. The launch is less than 3.5 miles from Saginaw Bay and is a designated stop on the Saginaw Bay Blue Water Trail. The Independence Boat Launch shares a property with the USS Edson – Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum on the river. |
Bangor Charter Township |
Bay |
280,300 |
70,200 |
210,100 |
|
17 |
Grand Rogue Park - Rogue River Water Access. Development of the Grand Rogue Park kayak launch along the Rogue River. The project includes a kayak launch, vault restroom building, overlook, paved access road and parking lot, sidewalks, benches with companion seating, interpretive signage, trash and recycling bins, bike racks, and native plantings. |
Plainfield Charter Township |
Kent |
613,200 |
313,200 |
300,000 |
|
18 |
Pioneer Park - Bath House. Replacement of two bathhouses with a new bathhouse near Lake Michigan. The bathhouse will have accessible parking spaces and new access pathways for campers and day-users. |
Muskegon County |
Muskegon |
810,200 |
510,200 |
300,000 |
|
19 |
Albion River Trail Expansion. Expansion of 4,000 linear feet of trail to connect Albion to the Iron Belle Trail and the Great Lake to Lake Trail. The project also provides a connection between Albion's McAuliffe Park and McIntosh Park. |
City of Albion |
Calhoun |
488,500 |
188,500 |
300,000 |
|
20 |
Richfield Park Improvements along the Iron Belle Trail. Improvement of accessibility and capacity at Richfield Park, including an informational trail kiosk and a bike fixit station. This station will also provide an accessible connection to a new ADA-compliant concrete vault restroom facility. Access to this facility includes the addition of paved parking with ADA-compliant spaces. |
Genesee County |
Genesee |
405,500 |
105,500 |
300,000 |
|
21 |
Blue Star Trail - Washington St. to Maple St. Development of a half mile of the Blue Star Trail to complete three contiguous miles of trail connecting Douglas and Saugatuck with the northern and southern areas of Saugatuck Township. The 10-foot-wide asphalt and boardwalk trail will increase local transportation and recreation options and link to the Beeline Trail north to Holland. This segment is from Washington Street east, over the Kalamazoo River, ending between Lake Street and Maple Street. |
City of Saugatuck |
Allegan |
1,130,600 |
830,600 |
300,000 |
|
22 |
Memory Isle Park Improvements. Renovation of Memory Isle Park’s restrooms and the installation of outdoor exercise equipment along a paved walking path. |
City of Three Rivers |
St. Joseph |
139,500 |
41,900 |
97,600 |
|
23 |
Pere Marquette Park Restroom Concession Building. Renovation of a concession and restroom building at the southern end of Pere Marquette Park. |
City of Muskegon |
Muskegon |
700,000 |
400,000 |
300,000 |
|
24 |
Bayfront Restroom Amenities. Replacement of two restrooms along Traverse City's bayfront. These facilities will serve the TART Trail, west end beach, and volleyball courts. |
City of Traverse City |
Grand Traverse |
401,000 |
200,500 |
200,500 |
|
25 |
Orchard Beach State Park Day-Use Playground. Development of a universally accessible playground at Orchard Beach State Park day-use area. |
Manistee Township |
Manistee |
600,000 |
300,000 |
300,000 |
|
26 |
Gladwin City Park Improvements. Construction of an ADA-compliant restroom and shower building with three universally accessible campground sites. |
City of Gladwin |
Gladwin |
593,900 |
293,900 |
300,000 |
|
27 |
Evergreen Park - Water Trail Access and Park Improvements. Addition of an accessible kayak launch along the 37.5-mile Cass River Water Trail project. The project will also provide two accessible playground locations within the park and barrier-free picnic pavilions. |
Sanilac County |
Sanilac |
687,400 |
387,400 |
300,000 |
|
28 |
Veterans Park - Hamtramck Stadium Restroom Renovation. Renovation of a restroom facility for Veterans Park and Hamtramck Stadium. Veterans Park also features a paved exercise trail, playground equipment, veterans’ memorial, and facilities for tennis, soccer, and volleyball. |
City of Hamtramck |
Wayne |
400,000 |
100,000 |
300,000 |
|
29 |
Railroad Point Water Access. Development of water access to Crystal Lake using boardwalks, an overlook, a seasonal dock, and kayak launch to provide access to the lake. The site will be improved with a picnic area, benches, signage, gravel parking, drop-off area, portable restroom enclosure, and connected pathway to the intersectant Betsie Valley Trail. The project also includes native plants along the shoreline. |
Benzie County |
Benzie |
600,000 |
300,000 |
300,000 |
|
30 |
Hawk Island Park Boardwalk Replacement. Removal of the boardwalk, stairway, and path along the eastern edge of the pond and installation of an accessible floating boardwalk, fishing docks, and path approaches. A minimum of 26% of the dock and boardwalk railings will be at a 32-inch height to provide accessible fishing and viewing. The existing land path will be replaced with a 10-foot-wide path that extends to the docks. The project will include native plant restoration, interpretive signage, a recycling bin, and a new park entrance sign. |
Ingham County |
Ingham |
662,600 |
362,600 |
300,000 |
|
|
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SUMMARY |
|
||||
|
|
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|||
|
|
Local Government Ownership (30 Projects) |
$21,132,700 |
$12,830,000 |
$8,302,700 |
||
|
|
TOTAL: |
|
|
$21,132,700 |
$12,830,000 |
$8,302,700 |
|
|
ACQUISITION & DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SUMMARY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State of Michigan Ownership (7 Projects) |
$11,198,000 |
$500,000 |
$10,698,000 |
||
|
|
Local Government Ownership (38 Projects) |
$27,946,900 |
$15,338,700 |
$12,608,200 |
||
|
|
TOTAL: |
|
|
$39,144,900 |
$15,838,700 |
$23,306,200 |
(1) Project descriptions provided by the Department of Natural Resources.