(WXYZ) — Michigan voters have passed Proposal 1, which will change how money is spent under the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
The trust fund uses royalties paid by developers of state-owned minerals like oil and natural gas, to protect sensitive lands and increase outdoor recreation across the state.
Established in 1976, there has been more than a billion dollars distributed.
With the passage of the proposal, at least 25% of the money spent in a year must go toward land purchases and another 25% toward developing recreation facilities. Before the passage, no more than 25% could go toward recreation facilities.
A board appointed by the governor considers proposals for projects and then decides how to spend the rest of the money, as it already does.