DECEMBER 16, 1997 - Michigan's public land records and corners will continue to be restored, maintained and preserved, thanks to $4 million in grants for 1998, announced Governor John Engler.

Originally established in the 1800s to identify and enable land to be sold in Michigan Territory, the approximately 300,000 corners remain the basis of all property identification in the state today. The cement and steel marker monuments are generally set in half-mile intervals across the state in east-to-west and north-to-south directions.

"In many cases, the original corner markers have been obliterated, because they were made of pipes, rods, stones, plowshares and even gun barrels," said Engler. "These Survey and Remonumentation grants will restore the corners that are reference points for surveyors, developers and the maintenance of roads and utilities, as well as the exchange and use of public and private properties."

The Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) administers the Survey and Remonumentation program, which was established legislatively in 1990. CIS is charged with the administration of the statewide effort to preserve, maintain and re-establish the original property corners.

"These grants to restore public land records and corners will benefit all 83 counties," said CIS Director Kathy Wilbur. "Accurate boundary information is crucial not only to all Michigan business and manufacturing, but to every individual who buys property."

To be eligible for a grant, the county submits an annual grant application and proposed work program CIS reviews and approves the documents, and makes funding recommendations based on the county's land area and amount of funds collected by the county.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.