MI HB4965

Establishes the local agency wetland mitigation board fund with a maximum balance of $8,000,000.00 to provide funding to local road agencies for wetland mitigation projects, including engineering, land purchase, construction, monitoring, and purchasing mitigation bank credits.

Creates a 9-member local agency wetland mitigation bank advisory board and a 7-member local agency wetland mitigation advisory board (effective April 2, 2019) with representatives from county and municipal road associations and state environmental departments to review and approve funding applications.

Requires the advisory board to establish a review process for funding applications with decisions made within 180 days, and mandates annual reporting by October 1 to legislative committees on fund utilization, applications received, awards made, and local matching amounts.

Modifies county road commission funding requirements by allowing up to 20% of wetland mitigation sites to be sold to the private sector, with revenues returned to the fund, and permits the board to approve additional uses for wetland mitigation activities as demonstrated by local road agencies.

Effective immediately upon Governor's approval on September 17, 2020.