Appropriations panel adds $15 million for dam safety to DNR budget

The Michigan Senate Committee on Appropriations on April 16 adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 172 that adds $15,000,000 for dam safety and then advanced the amended Department of Natural Resources (DNR) budget to the Senate floor.

Senator Cherry, presenting the DNR package, said the budget contains no new general fund dollars overall but incorporates bipartisan proposals and an amendment to fund dam safety. “There was member interest in making sure we fund some dam safety in the state. And so, this amendment would put, I believe, dollars 15,000,000 in for dam safety,” she said.

The amendment (Amendment No. 1) was moved by Senator Cherry and supported by Senator Bair. The clerk recorded 14 yeas and 4 nays; the amendment passed. The committee then adopted the amended substitute and reported SB 172 to the floor (final committee tally recorded as 13 yeas and 5 nays when reported) and recommended immediate effect without objection.

Discussion vs. decision: The record shows a sponsor-led presentation and a floor amendment debate limited to the funding designation (discussion). The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill as amended (formal actions).

Clarifying details: The sponsor described the funding as $15,000,000 for dam safety; the transcript does not specify funding sources (general fund vs. restricted funds) for that line item. The DNR budget was characterized as containing bipartisan provisions for hunting, fishing and state parks and as not requesting new general fund dollars overall.

Next steps: SB 172, as amended to include the dam safety funding, proceeds to the Senate floor with a committee recommendation that it pass and take immediate effect.