ADOPT-A-SHORELINE PROGRAM H.B. 4885 (S-1): REVISED FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 4885 (Substitute S-1 as reported by the Committee of the Whole) Sponsor: Representative James Middaugh
House Committee: Conservation, Environment and Great Lakes Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to administer an “Adopt-A-Shoreline Program” designed to remove litter from and to beautify the State’s shorelines and public land along the State’s shorelines. The program would have to include public informational activities, but be directed primarily toward encouraging and facilitating the involvement of volunteer groups in litter cleanup and assisting volunteer groups in selecting specific shoreline or shoreline segments for cleanup activities.
The DNR would be required to enter into agreements with volunteer groups to implement the program. An agreement would have to identify the designated shoreline or shoreline segment; specify the duties of the volunteer group, which would have to involve the removal of litter at least once each year; specify the responsibilities of the volunteer group; and designate the length of time the group contracted to care for the designated shoreline or shoreline segment, which would have to be for at least two years.
The DNR would have to create a recognition program that acknowledged the efforts of volunteer groups and members of the groups that participated in the program; provide safety information and assistance to the participating groups; and give volunteer groups natural resources information and educational materials. The DNR also would have to provide volunteer groups with data information sheets, and request the groups to record the types of trash collected during their cleanup efforts and forward the information to the Department upon completion. The DNR would have to compile this information and include it in the DNR’s report to legislative committees.
The DNR would have to report annually to the legislative standing committees that primarily consider issues pertaining to the protection of natural resources and the environment on the implementation and progress of the Adopt-A-Shoreline Program.
Proposed MCL 324.35801-324.35804 Legislative Analyst: S. Margules
The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact depending on the number of organizations and volunteers interested in adopting a river. The DNR currently operates an Adopt-A-Park program with approximately .5 FTE. The bill could represent a considerable expansion of these duties.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) operates the Adopt-A-Highway program. The DOT reports costs of $133,000 in FY 1993-94 and $185,000 in FY 1994-95.
Date Completed: 1-30-96 Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.