Legislative Update
Jon Bumstead
Michigan State Senator
Director, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly
Natural Resource Highlights from the 2022-2023 Fascial Year Budget
The Michigan Legislature recently finalized and passed the state budget for 2022-2023. As the vice chair of the DNR and EGLE budget committees, I prioritized protecting our natural resources and ensuring a safe state for our future generations.
This year the DNR budget included $34.4 million for our state Fish Hatcheries. Specifically, this funding is directed toward overdue upgrades to infrastructure, equipment, and biosecurity needs at multiple hatcheries around the state. Additionally, the EGLE budget included $600,000 to fund a grant program for state watersheds as well as $150,000 for Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Programs.
Other key DNR and EGLE budget items that help protect and preserve Michigan natural resources included in this year’s budget:
- $214 million for waste and drinking water infrastructure.
- $49.4 million for contaminated site cleanup.
- $11.4 million for replacement of DNR equipment.
- $10.0 million toward the contaminated rapid response team.
- $5.00 million to support private well testing.
- $4.00 million to replace the Lake Michigan survey vessel
Since my time in the legislature, I have and will continue to work with constituents and stakeholders to determine where funding can be used most effectively to advocate for and protect our Great Lakes, inland lakes, streams, and all of our states majestic natural resources.
If you have any questions related to the state or budget, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (866) 305-2134 or by email at senjbumstead@senate.michigan.gov.