Stabenow, Peters Announce More than $4 Million in PILT Funding for Michigan

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $4,281,492 in funding for 29 Michigan counties through the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. Michigan is home to more than three million acres of federal lands, and as a result, county governments throughout Michigan miss out on critical property tax revenue every year. These Michigan counties depend on PILT to help fund essential services, such as health, education, law enforcement and infrastructure maintenance services.

"As a former County Commissioner, I know the important role that local counties play in providing critical services like roads, police and fire protection," said Stabenow. "This funding will ensure the continuing partnership between our local communities, national forests, and other federal lands that contribute so much to our Michigan way of life."

"The PILT program plays a critical role in helping counties make up for lost revenue, while preserving these treasured resources for visitors from Michigan and across the country. Without PILT, counties across Michigan would face economic hardship and struggle to fund many of the essential services that residents rely on," said Peters. "I'm pleased to join with Senator Stabenow to announce more than $4 million in funding that will help Michigan communities with federal public lands continue to provide vital services for their residents and improve access to our parks, lakeshore and trails for everyone to enjoy."

Outdoor recreation is a key part of Michigan's economy, generating more than $18 billion in consumer spending and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs. In 2014, Michigan's parks, trails and other public lands brought in nearly 2 million visitors and generated $173 million in economic benefits from tourism.

For a complete list of counties that received PILT funding in 2015, please click here.