House Bill 6355 (Substitute H-1)
First Analysis (12-5-02)
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Schauer
Committee: Regulatory Reform
In 1984 the state acquired approximately two acres of land that is adjacent to 22 acres of land owned by the City of Springfield, located in Calhoun County, near the City of Battle Creek. For nearly the last 20 years, the land has remained undeveloped. The City of Springfield has requested that the land be conveyed to the city in order to incorporate the property into its growth plan. As such legislation has been introduced that would convey the property to the city.
THE CONTENT OF THE BILL:
The bill would permit the State Administrative Board, on behalf of the state, to convey certain state owned property to the City of Springfield, located in Calhoun County. The property would be conveyed for not less than fair market value, which would be determined by an appraisal by the state tax commission or an independent fee appraiser. The conveyance would be by quitclaim deed approved by the attorney general and would not reserve mineral rights to the state. Revenue received by the state from the conveyance would be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the general fund.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Fiscal information is not available.
ARGUMENTS:
For:
Since the state obtained the land near the City of Springfield, it has remained largely undeveloped and vacant, to the benefit of neither the state nor the city. The land may be used for the expansion and further development of the nearby residential area. In addition, the land is located a short distance from M-96. In recent years, the city has spent nearly $200,000 in developing land along the M-96 corridor. This corridor includes several automobile dealerships and other businesses. The property subject to the conveyance, then, is vital to spurring the economic development of the city and the Battle Creek area as a whole.
POSITIONS:
The City of Springfield supports the bill. (12-4-02)
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.