The Senate Outdoor Rec and Tourism Committee has passed Senate Bill 229, a bill that would allow expenditures from the Natural Resources Trust Fund for dredging of harbors for the use of recreational watercraft. The bill would not result in any additional expenditures from the Natural Resources Trust Fund and as a result could reduce the amount of funds available for other recreational facilities.

The Michigan Municipal League recognizes that there is a significant need for dredging across Michigan as lake levels continue to fall. Appropriate access to emergency permits and short-term and long-term funding solutions should be made available, but using the Natural Resources Trust Fund for something other than what the constitution allows the League is fundamentally opposed to.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.