Vote Yes on Proposal 2!
Proposal 2 is going to be on the August 6th primary ballot and would mean hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to the states major sources of money for conservation. It must be passed by a majority of voters because it will require a change to the state's constitution. This would mean no increase in taxes; it is simply a new way for the state to invest the money they already are getting.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, MUCC, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Recreation & Park Association have joined with other organizations to form the Funds for the Future Committee to educate voters about Proposal 2. Others that have endorsed the proposal are: The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Oil and Gas Association, Michigan Chemistry Council and the Michigan Environmental Council.
If Proposal 2 passes on the Aug. 6 primary ballot, the Trust Fund could gain more than $500 million over the next 20 years with no cost to taxpayers. Without it, state and local conservation programs could lose at least $15 million annually. Specifically, Proposal 2 would adjust the cap on the Trust Fund from $400-$500 million and allow up to one-third of the Trust Fund revenue to be spent annually. It would also allow half of the money that goes into the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund every year to be spent on state park improvements.
Since 1978, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has provided more than $532 million for community outdoor recreation areas, both on land and in water. It has provided more than $21 million to acquire and develop some rail-trails. Without the passage of Proposal 2 some of the already acquired trails may not be developed and some planned acquisitions will never happen.
Article written by Rails-To-Trails Conservancy Michigan Field Office. Rails-To-Trails is a nonprofit trail and greenway advocacy organization working to improve nonmotorized recreational trail facilities in Michigan.
Please see the link below to Rails-To-Trails Conservancy for more information.
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posted 07/18/02