LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Ruth Johnson on Thursday supported approval of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) projects for 2020, including a village of Ortonville project.
“This will help enhance the many outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities that many Michigan families and tourists enjoy,” said Johnson, R-Holly. “The Ortonville project will improve access to a wonderful local park and help make it an even better place for residents to have fun in the outdoors.”
Senate Bill 145 would authorize the trust fund to use $28.7 million to support 18 acquisition projects and 60 recreational development projects throughout the state.
The bill includes $25,900 for the village of Ortonville to renovate the concession and restroom building at the Sherman Memorial Village Park. The building was built in the 1950s and is used year-round. The project would bring the facility and adjacent parking up to current standards for accessibility.
The NRTF is supported by interest earnings from the development of state-owned mineral rights. The fund’s dollars are constitutionally restricted to recreation improvements and land acquisitions.
The fund was established in 1976 under the Kammer Recreational Trust Fund Act and was later added to the Michigan Constitution under Article 9, Section 35.
SB 145 now goes to the governor for her signature.
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