MICHIGAN GEOLOGICAL SURVEY APPROPRIATIONS

House Bill 4745 (proposed substitute H-1)

Sponsor:  Rep. Bronna Kahle

Committee:  Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 1-21-20

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4745 would amend Part 601 (Geological Survey) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to allow, if approved by the legislature, up to $3.0 million to be appropriated annually to the Michigan Geological Survey to conduct its geological survey under current law and, in particular, to conduct geological surveys of the following:

·         Areas identified by the Water Use Advisory Council as having a priority need for geological data.

·         Areas identified by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) as having soil or groundwater contamination.

Currently, the Michigan Geological Survey is established within Western Michigan University (WMU) and can receive money or other assets from funds appropriated by the legislature; federal, state, municipal, or private grants; or any other source approved by WMU.

MCL 324.60108

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4745 would not affect costs or revenues for EGLE or the Department of Natural Resources. However, the bill may increase revenue for Western Michigan University by allowing an annual appropriation of up to $3.0 million from an unspecified fund source to the Michigan Geological Survey, which is housed in the university’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. This program conducts research on Michigan’s geological resources, including water, oil, gas, minerals, and soil. The bill is unlikely to affect local government costs or revenues.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Emily S. Smith

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.