H.B. 4707 (H-1): COMMITTEE SUMMARY                                           LAKE DRAWDOWN FEE

House Bill 4707 (Substitute H-1) Sponsor: Representative Tom Alley

House Committee: Conservation, Environment and Great Lakes Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Date Completed: 11-27-95

SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4707 (Substitute H-1) as passed by the House:

The bill would amend Part 301 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which governs inland lakes and streams, to establish a $50 fee for a permit for a seasonal drawdown or associated reflooding, or both, of a dam or impoundment for the purpose of weed control. If a seasonal drawdown and/or associated reflooding occurred for the first time after the bill’s effective date, however, the initial fee would be $500 and subsequent permits for the same purpose would cost $50.

Currently, Part 301 establishes permit fees ranging from $50 for a “minor project” (as defined in R 281.816) to $2,000 for major projects described in the Act. (Although this fee schedule had been scheduled to expire on October 1, 1995, Public Act 171 of 1995 postponed the sunset to October 1, 1999.)

MCL 324.30104                                                                             Legislative Analyst: S. Margules

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would result in a minimal ($4,500) decrease in revenues available to the Department of Natural Resources. According to the Department, approximately 10 drawdowns per year would be affected, with a current permit fee of $500.

Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

S9596\S4707SA

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.

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