Bill
SB 829
Allocates $45M from the MNRTF for local government acquisition and development projects, with matching funds and protections ensuring perpetual public use.
Purpose
- Provide supplemental appropriations for capital outlay projects and for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) related to the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
- Create and authorize an appropriation act that directs funds to MNRTF-led acquisition and development projects administered through local units of government.
Key Provisions and Changes
- Part 1: Line-item appropriations for FY2026
- Gross appropriation: $45,000,000
- State funds: All appropriations come from the Michigan natural resources trust fund (MNRTF) as the “other state restricted revenues” line; no General Fund/General Purpose dollars are used.
- No General Fund support or federal/local/private revenue receipts in this part.
- Part 2: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) allocations
- Reaffirms $45,000,000 gross appropriation from the MNRTF for acquisition and development projects.
- The appropriation is organized into:
- Acquisition projects by priority (e.g., Black River Access, Lincoln Brick Park Expansion, Petty’s Bayou Waterfront Acquisition, Keweenaw Heartlands, Mill Creek Waterfront, etc.) totaling $25,866,000 in MNRTF funding (with specific grants to local units).
- Development projects by priority (e.g., Parker Mill Park & B2B Trail Accessibility Improvements, Marshall Riverwalk Improvements, Lakelands Trail Zukey Lake Footbridge Renovation, Rosy Mound Natural Area Improvements, various park improvements, trailheads, restrooms, boardwalks, and accessibility projects) totaling $19,134,000 in MNRTF funding.
- Local government grants (grant-in-aid) are a major component, with a substantial portion of funds allocated to local units for development and acquisition.
- Total: $45,000,000 from MNRTF, matched by local contributions ($63,919,600 estimated in the fiscal note), bringing total project costs to $108,919,600.
Notable Provisions and Protections
- Sec. 301: Grant administration requirements
- Local units receiving MNRTF grants must enter into agreements that:
- Dedicate acquired/developed land to perpetual public outdoor recreation use.
- Replace lands converted to non-public recreation use.
- For parcels larger than 5 acres, grant recipients must provide the state with a nonparticipating 1/6 royalty interest in any retained minerals.
- Payments are contingent on proof of acquisition or project completion and cost verification by DNR, though the DNR may waive this requirement.
- Sec. 302: Carry-forward of capital outlay appropriations
- Funds may be carried forward at year-end consistent with the Management and Budget Act.
- Sec. 303: Withdrawn projects
- Identifies specific previously authorized MNRTF projects that have been withdrawn; funds for those projects may lapse and be available for reappropriation.
- Sec. 203 (boilerplate): Prohibition on certain uses
- Funds appropriated under Part 1 may not be spent on utility-scale solar or wind development projects.
- Sec. 201-202: Fiscal governance
- Totals for local payments and general budget compliance with applicable state laws and the Management and Budget Act.
Affected Parties
- Local units of government (cities, townships, counties) receiving MNRTF grants for acquisition and development projects.
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administering grants, ensuring compliance, and managing agreements with local units.
- The MNRTF itself as the fund source and administrator for the listed projects.
Timeline and Status
- Introduced March 10, 2026; referred to Appropriations.
- Action history shows favorable committee reports and progression toward potential passage in 2026.
- Projects are aligned with the MNRTF FY 2025-26 recommendations (as per supporting documents), targeting execution during FY 2026.
Fiscal Impact
- Total MNRTF appropriation: $45,000,000 for 75 projects (15 acquisition, 60 development).
- Estimated local matching funds: $63,919,600.
- Total estimated project cost: $108,919,600.
- The bill matches Governor’s Supplemental 2026-3 proposal and relies on MNRTF revenues rather than the General Fund.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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