WATERWAYS ACCOUNT S.B. 34:
FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 34 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Randy Richardville
Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 781 (Michigan State Waterways Commission) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to describe specifically the purposes for which money in the Waterways Account may be spent. The bill would define "recreational boating facilities" as boat launches, harbors, marinas, and locks assisting recreational boats gaining access to water bodies at different elevations.
These purposes currently include the construction, operation, and maintenance of recreational boating facilities. Under the bill, the money could be used for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the following that were associated with recreational boating facilities:
-- Ramps for launching watercraft; piers, jetties, breakwaters, or other similar structures connected to recreational boating facilities or harbors of refuge; and moorage facilities.
-- Studies and surveys necessary for the facilities' development or operation.
-- Restrooms, sewage treatment facilities, potable water supplies, parking, and pump outs.
-- Access roads, bridges, signals, and other infrastructure to give the public access.
-- Engineering costs.
-- Dredging, stump removal, and aquatic weed control to clear lanes.
-- Navigational aids and signage.
-- Guides, brochures, maps, road signs, internet sites, and other aids.
-- Projects that compensate or mitigate for natural resource losses caused by the specified activities related to recreational boating facilities.
-- Locks used exclusively by recreational boaters.
-- Boat storage facilities, boat lift facilities, and boat servicing facilities when constructed to be leased to a private marina operator.
-- Leases; the acquisition of property or rights in property; and water rights.
Money in the account also may be used for the administration of Parts 781 and 791 (Harbor Development). Under the bill, this would include the following: administrative and overhead cost related directly to recreational boating facilities; employee wages and benefits; and conferences, meetings, and training for employees.
MCL 324.78101 & 324.78110 Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government. It would expand and specify additional uses of the Michigan State Waterways account of the Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund, but it would not increase or decrease any revenue to the account.
Date Completed: 3-25-09 Fiscal Analyst: Jessica Runnels
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. sb34/0910