Sec. 71508.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, money in the fund shall be used as follows:
(a) $70,000,000.00 of the bond revenues shall be used to construct, expand, and develop recreational facilities at state parks pursuant to the "5 year capital outlay program" published by the department and approved by the commission, and for other state recreation facilities for which matching funds are available. The department may deviate from the uses of the bond revenues provided in this subdivision only upon recommendation of the commission and approval of the legislature.
(b) $65,000,000.00 of the bond revenues shall be used to provide grants and loans to local units of government for local public recreation projects pursuant to this part.
(c) $5,000,000.00 of the bond revenues shall be used to provide grants and loans to local units of government for the purpose of discouraging development of open space and undeveloped lands that on December 1, 1988 are not zoned for industrial use. Grants and loans made under this subdivision shall be used to redevelop and reuse vacant manufacturing facilities or abandoned industrial sites for recreational facilities.
(2) Money in the fund that is allocated for local public recreation projects under subsection (1)(b) shall be used for any of the following:
(a) Public recreation infrastructure improvements that involve the replacement of or structural improvements relating specifically to existing public recreation facilities, including, but not limited to, recreation centers, sports fields, beaches, trails, historical structures, playgrounds, and restoration of the natural environment.
(b) The development of public recreation facilities on waterfront sites for the purpose of increasing recreation opportunities that encourage further private investments in the area. Public recreation facilities on waterfront sites shall include, but shall not be limited to, shoreline stabilization and beautification, breakwaters, bulkheads, fishing piers, amphitheaters, shoreline walkways, and pedestrian bridges.
(c) The construction of community public recreation facilities for the purpose of addressing the recreational needs of local residents, including, but not limited to, playgrounds, sports fields and courts, community and senior centers, and fishing sites.
(d) The development of public recreation improvements that will attract tourists or otherwise increase tourism, where such developments are reasonably expected to have a substantial positive impact, relative to cost, on the local, regional, or state economy, including, but not limited to, campgrounds, beaches, historical sites, fishing access sites, and recreational development of abandoned railroad rights-of-way.
(e) Intermediate school districts for environmental education capital outlay projects that are consistent with the long-term recreation and parks plan for the local unit or units of government which the intermediate school district serves.
(3) Money in the fund for other state recreation purposes shall be used for infrastructure projects for fisheries, wildlife, recreational boating, or state forest campgrounds, for which not less than 50% of the cost of the project is available from any combination of federal, private, or restricted funds.
(4) Money in the fund shall not be used for land acquisition.
(5) Money in the fund shall not be expended for sports facilities, arenas, or stadiums intended as the primary home of a professional sports team, for commercial theme parks, or for any purpose that may result in the siting of casino gambling in this state.
(6) Money in the fund may be used by the department of treasury to pay for the cost of issuing bonds under part 713 and by the department to pay department costs as provided in this subsection. Not more than 3% of the total amount specified in this section shall be available for appropriation to the department to pay department costs directly associated with the completion of a project described in subsection (1)(a), (b), or (c) for which bonds are issued as provided under this part. Bond proceeds shall not be available to pay indirect, administrative overhead costs incurred by any organizational unit of the department not directly responsible for the completion of a project. Department costs shall be deducted proportionately from the amounts stated in subsection (1). It is the intent of the legislature that general fund appropriations to the department shall not be reduced as a result of department costs funded pursuant to this subsection.
History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995
Popular Name: Act 451
Popular Name: NREPA