The DNR would be able to use more trust fund money for park development under a resolution that passed the state legislature Friday.
The resolution would allow Michigan voters to approve a constitutional amendment freeing up how DNR trust fund money can be used.
The trust fund is fueled by royalties paid on public lands leased by oil and gas companies. Under current law, the DNR has to use at least 25% of state trust fund dollars for land acquisition and may only use 25% for land development.
Ed Golder is the spokesperson for the Michigan DNR. He said the DNR has seen an increase in requests for park development grants - but the money has been tied up under the trust fund requirements.
“So what this resolution will allow is for greater latitude on the part of the trust fund board to provide money for those improvements on existing recreational lands.”
Golder said the change would allow increased funding for everything from restrooms to kayak launches at parks across the state.
Under the resolution, the DNR would be allowed to use as much as 75% of its annual budget towards park development.
He said he expects the resolution will be on the ballot in 2020.
The Michigan DNR is a financial supporter of WCMU.