March 27, 2008

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed into law legislation allowing counties to form zoological authorities authorized to seek voter approval of a tax to support local zoos.  The legislation, sought by supporters of the Detroit Zoo, was given immediate effect.

"The Detroit Zoo is a strong contributor to the economic vitality of southeast Michigan, and now county officials have a new tool to seek public support to keep the zoo moving forward," Granholm said.  "As we work to grow our economy, we want to ensure that communities can invigorate those programs that contribute to the quality of life of their residents."

Under the new Zoological Authorities Act, a county board of commissioners can form a zoological authority to provide financial support to an accredited zoological institution by levying a tax of not more than 0.1 mill.  In exchange, residents of a county providing the financial support can then receive discounted admission fees, discounted membership fees, discounts for schoolchildren, access to education programs, and other benefits.  The new act is available to any county in the state interested in establishing a zoological authority to financially support a local zoo.

Senate Bill 1135, sponsored by Senator Gilda Z. Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods) is now Public Act 49 of 2008.

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