WESTERN MICHIGAN PROPERTY CONVEYANCE

House Bill 5207 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Robert Jones

Committee:  Commerce

Complete to8-25-09

BRIEF SUMMARY:

House Bill 5207 first would authorize the State Administrative Board to accept property back from Western Michigan University (WMU) for $1.00.  The property is located inKalamazooCounty and was originally conveyed to WMU onJune 25, 1978 via quitclaim deed.  The quitclaim deed contained public use reverter and right of reentry language.  The original conveyance authorized Michigan State University (MSU) to use the property for performing entomology research.  An agreement has been reached between WMU and MSU to terminate use of the property for that purpose.  In order to change the purpose for use, the property has to be conveyed back to the State.  An approximate legal description of the property is set forth in the bill.  

Second, the bill would authorize the State Administrative Board to convey the property back to WMU for $1.00 via quitclaim deed or other instrument approved by the Attorney General.  The property would then be required to be used exclusively for the purpose of expanding and improving the business technology and research park located onWesternMichiganUniversity's Parkview Campus.  Any fees, terms, or conditions imposed for the use of the property would be required to be applied uniformly to all members of the public.  The State would be authorized to reenter and repossess the property if these conditions were not met. 

The State would reserve all rights in aboriginal antiquities, including the right to explore, excavate, and take them.  Aboriginal antiquities include mounds, earthworks, forts, burial and village sites, mines, and other relics, on, within, or under the property.

The bill is tie-barred to House Bills 5205 and 5206.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

According to WMU, the Business Technology andResearchPark has consistently been rated one of the most successful smart zones in the State.  It houses 31 companies and 645 jobs specializing in life-science, advanced engineering, and information technology.  The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State.

                                                                                                   Fiscal Analyst:   Robin R. Risko

■ 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.