TRANSFER MI GEOLOGICAL SURVEY TO WMU S.B. 507:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 507 (as introduced 6-21-11)
Sponsor: Senator Tonya Schuitmaker
Committee: Appropriations
Date Completed: 6-22-11
CONTENT
Senate Bill 507 would amend Part 601 (Geological Survey) of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by transferring the Michigan Geological Survey and its responsibilities from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to Western Michigan University (WMU). Under the bill, WMU would be responsible for mapping the geological resources of the State. The bill also would allow the State Geologist to transfer by rule the Michigan Geological Survey from WMU to another State university in the event that WMU no longer had an academic program primarily engaged in the study of geology or if WMU substantially failed in fulfilling the duties of the Michigan Geological Survey.
MCL 324.60101 et al.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY 2011-12 DEQ budget contains no funding for this program. Formerly, $208,000 was appropriated for the DEQ to use for this program, but that funding was removed for FY 2011-12 as the budget assumes that the transfer laid out in the bill will occur. No State or Federal funding would directly accompany the transfer of this program to WMU, but it has been indicated that WMU may be eligible for some Federal grants to help fund the program. Any additional funding WMU would need to fulfill its responsibilities under the bill would come from WMU's resources.
Fiscal Analyst: Josh Sefton
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. sb507/1112