February 1, 2006, Introduced by Rep. Hune and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use, and Environment.
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled
"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"
by amending section 30708 (MCL 324.30708), as added by 1995 PA 59,
and by adding section 30708a.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec.
30708. (1) After Except
as provided in section 30708a,
after the court determines the normal level of an inland lake in a
proceeding initiated by the county, the delegated authority of any
county or counties in which the inland lake is located shall
provide for and maintain that normal level.
(2) A county may acquire, in the name of the county, by gift,
grant, purchase, or condemnation proceedings, an existing dam that
may affect the normal level of the inland lake, sites for dams, or
rights in land needed or convenient in order to implement this
part. A county may enter into a contract for operation and
maintenance of an existing dam. The county may construct and
maintain a dam that is determined by the delegated authority to be
necessary for the purpose of maintaining the normal level. A dam
may be acquired, constructed, or maintained in a county adjoining
the county in which the lake is located.
(3) For the purpose of maintaining the normal level, a
delegated authority may drill wells or pump water from another
source to supply an inland lake with additional water, may lower
the level of the lake by pumping water from the lake, and may
purchase power to operate pumps, wells, or other devices installed
as part of a normal level project.
Sec. 30708a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this part,
the department or the delegated authority of any county that is
charged with maintaining the normal level of an inland lake may
deviate from that normal level during a flooding emergency if
necessary to protect property or public safety. In implementing
this section, the department or the delegated authority may
authorize a dam operator to modify the dam's operations to
accomplish this objective.