The Michigan Use of State and Local Park Funds Amendment will appear on the upcoming November 3, 2020 election ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. While Michigan Waterfront Alliance has not yet taken a position on the amendment, we are pleased to be able to provide relevant information in the interest of keeping our dedicated readers apprised of the latest information regarding important water and natural resource related issues.
Our readers should know:
That a “yes” vote on the amendment changes how revenue in the state park-related funds can be spent, including (a) making projects to renovate recreational facilities eligible for grants and (b) allowing the parks endowment fund to be spent on park operations and maintenance, and (c) removing the cap on the size of the natural resources trust fund.
That a “no” vote on the amendment opposes making changes to how revenue in the state’s park-related funds can be spent, thus (a) continuing to prohibit projects to renovate recreational facilities from receiving grants and (b) continuing to prohibit the parks endowment fund from being spent on park operations and maintenance, and (c) keeping the cap on the size of the natural resources trust fund.
Our members and readers of this newsletter should also know that based primarily on our need to understand how passage of this amendment may affect the propensity of Michigan Department of Natural Resources owned and operated public access boating sites to contribute to the spread of exotic aquatic invasive species, the Michigan Waterfront Alliance is at least temporarily deferring public support of this important constitutional amendment.
To review a comprehensive review of the Michigan Use of State and Local Park Funds Amendment, visit the amendment dedicated Ballotpedia page by clicking here