St. Clair Today

Michigan voters broadly approved amendments to the laws that dictate the extent to which Michigan can use oil and gas leasing money to fund state parks.

The proposal, coined "Proposal 1," was on the general election ballot and is a project that will lift a $500 million cap on the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The project won 84.6% of the 1.86 million votes already counted, according to Bridge Michigan.

“This is a victory for Michiganders in every corner of the state -- from the U.P. to Detroit,” said Becca Maher, the campaign’s manager, according to Bridge Michigan. “With the passage of Proposal 1, voters sent a clear message to Lansing -- we must prioritize protecting our natural resources and conserving and creating access to our outdoor spaces, now and for future generations.”

Conan Smith, president and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council, said the end results of the vote indicate that voters still care about Michigan's state parks.

“Michiganders understand the importance of spending time in nature,” Smith said, according to Bridge Michigan. “And this victory guarantees an increase in opportunities for outdoor recreation across the state, something we should all celebrate.”