MI HB4578

Expands allowable uses of Natural Resources Trust Fund to include transportation-related recreational uses such as watercraft, vehicles, bicycles, horses, off-road vehicles, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling in addition to traditional recreational and environmental protection purposes.

Adds road or highway rest area facilities designated as official state welcome centers or recreational tourism centers by January 1, 2013 as eligible for trust fund development expenditures.

Redirects excess revenues exceeding the $500 million trust fund cap to the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund until it reaches $800 million in principal; thereafter excess revenues flow to the Michigan Transportation Fund for use under MCL 247.660.

Requires minimum 25% of annual trust fund expenditures be used for land acquisition and limits development of public recreation facilities to maximum 25% of annual expenditures.

Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources director to designate road or highway rest areas described in the trust fund statute as state recreation areas.