(The Center Square) – The Michigan Senate approved budget bills for agencies including the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development the Department of Natural Resources and distributions for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Lawmakers approved Senate Bill 758, which proposes $6 million for Michigan’s conservation districts and with Michigan State University Extension.
The proposal includes $2 million for a Farm to Family Program to boost regenerative farming and agriculture supply chains and promote Michigan food products. SB 758 recommends investments in the state’s minority-owned food and agriculture businesses.
Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint, welcomed the spending proposal.
“From our woods to our waters, Michiganders take great pride in our state’s natural resources,” Cherry said in a statement. “These budget proposals continue the progress we made in the 2024 budget to protect and restore the environment in which we live, work, and play, keeping a critical focus on long-term conservation solutions to build a cleaner, healthier, and ultimately, stronger Michigan for generations to come.”
SB 759 proposes more than $17 million to support state parks and an exemption for veterans. Further, the proposal would dedicate an additional $3 million for wetland restoration initiatives and funding a pilot program to reduce the cost of flood insurance via wetland restoration measures.
SB 759 also invests in nonprofits combatting hunger, including Sportsmen Against Hunger, which serves families in need.
“Michigan’s wetlands play a crucial role in the health of many other natural resources across the state, and this budget will ensure we have the tools necessary to protect those resources to the fullest extent possible,” Cherry said in a statement. “From natural lands to our park trails and playgrounds, these Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund investments will bolster Michigan’s recreational opportunities while protecting land known for its environmental importance and scenic beauty.”
SB 817 aims to allocate $27.3 million for 53 recreation development projects across Michigan through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
The projects include two grants for Senate District 27, one to aid Genesee County with improving Flint River access at the confluence of Swartz Creek and one to assist Grand Blanc Township with a shared-use path along Cook Road and Dort Highway.
Other highlights of the proposed MDARD and DNR budgets include:
One-time funding for animal shelters.Support for soil and health workshops and education.Financial resources contracted to Michigan State University Extension to assist the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program.Funding to help develop a mass timber market in the state.Support for initiatives that help Michigan’s forests adapt to climate change.Resources for invasive species management.
The bills move to the House.
