Governor Whitmer signed legislation authorizing $23.3 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants.
Key Points:
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- 45 projects and land purchases recommended by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board will receive funding.
- This includes $15 million in acquisition grants and $8.3 million in recreation development grants.
- The $15 million will be split between $4.3 million for local units of government and $10.7 million for the Department of Natural Resources.
- The $8.3 million will support 30 local government projects.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund:
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- Established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of land for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as public outdoor recreation development projects.
- It’s funded through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals and can only be used for public outdoor recreation.
- The board’s recommendations go to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the appropriation process. The Legislature then forwards a bill to the governor for approval.