Senate OKs funding change for state parks
Fri, Nov 13, 2009 
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BY DAVID EGGERT
Associated Press Writer
LANSING — Michigan drivers would get unlimited access to state parks for $10 a year if a new funding plan that cleared a legislative hurdle Thursday wins final approval.
The Senate voted 25-12 to no longer require in-state residents to pay $6 a day or $24 annually to enter state parks, forests, recreation areas and boating sites. Drivers instead could visit as often as they want by paying an extra $10 for their annual vehicle registration.
Cars with a state license plate would have automatic entrance to parks, though spot checks of plates could be done in parking lots to determine if drivers had paid the fee. Violators could get a warning to pay up or face a $100 fine.
Out-of-state residents would still have to buy an annual pass for $29 or a day pass for $8.
The bills were sent to the House despite opposition from 10 Republicans, who control the Senate, and two Democrats. The Democratic-led House may vote soon on a similar proposal, but advocates also need to persuade Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
"We support adequate funding for our state parks but are not convinced this method is the best way to do it," Granholm spokeswoman Megan Brown said.
Supporters said the concept would be a bargain for park visitors and create a long-term funding source for parks in disrepair. About $36 million would be raised if half of all vehicle registrants paid the fee, triple what is generated now.
"This is a good opportunity to reform the way we do government, to reform our state park system and to keep it operational," said Sen. Patricia Birkholz, R-Saugatuck, a main sponsor of the legislation.
Critics said vehicle fees are supposed to go to transportation, not parks. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, road builders and county road agencies worry the bills will hamper their efforts to raise more money for crumbling roads.
The parks became the orphan stepchild of the state budget five years ago when they were cut from the general fund budget. Instead of getting tax money to run, the park system — among the country's oldest and largest — relies primarily on entrance and camping fees.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it needs $38 million a year for repairs alone. It now can use $2 million per year.
The proposal is modeled after Montana, where 75 percent of motor vehicle registrants pay an extra $4 to support state parks and fishing sites. Montana automatically builds its fee into vehicle registration fees, and people must fill out a form if they do not want to pay.
Michigan lawmakers raised concerns about using a similar "opt-out" approach. The Senate bills were amended so drivers could clearly elect to pay or not pay the extra $10.
