DECEMBER 15 2000 - 

Michigan’s public land records and corners will continue to be restored, maintained and preserved in 2001, thanks to $5 million in grants for all 83 counties, announced Governor John Engler.

Originally established in the 1800s to identify and enable land to be sold in the Michigan Territory, the approximately 300,000 corners remain the basis of all property identification in the state today. The cement and steel maker 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," Engler said. "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 in the state."

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 with a formula based on the county’s land area and amount of funds collected by the county.

COUNTY STATE GRANT

Alcona $32,792

Alger $40,617

Allegan $87,718

Alpena $30,046

Antrim $30,566

Arenac $19,219

Baraga $38,872

Barry $41,855

Bay $66,880

Benzie $25,266

Berrien $57,205

Branch $29,380

Calhoun $52,871

Cass $31,937

Charlevoix $39,222

Cheboygan $37,159

Chippewa $70,901

Clare $39,612

Clinton $38,045

Crawford $29,632

Delta $66,107

Dickinson $36,224

Eaton $45,022

Emmet $31,188

Genesee $99,788

Gladwin $28,584

Gogebic $53,744

Grand Traverse $39,438

Gratiot $31,116

Hillsdale $32,587

Houghton $47,505

Huron $42,146

Ingham $74,641

Ionia $34,977

Iosco $30,184

Iron $50,742

Isabella $33,486

Jackson $67,422

Kalamazoo $75,697

Kalkaska $30,475

Kent $247,236

Keweenaw $23,005

Lake $27,813

Lapeer $49,950

Leelanau $22,556

Lenawee $50,630

Livingston $167,852

Luce $38,630

Mackinac $45,599

Macomb $206,527

Manistee $29,532

Marquette $96,994

Mason $26,620

Mecosta $31,876

Menominee $54,870

Midland $37,504

Missaukee $26,969

Monroe $50,882

Montcalm $43,135

Montmorency $26,736

Muskegon $61,039

Newaygo $62,190

Oakland $392,529

Oceana $28,561

Ogemaw $29,705

Ontonagon $55,602

Osceola $35,462

Oscoda $26,505

Otsego $30,189

Ottawa $114,355

Presque Isle $31,293

Roscommon $43,739

Saginaw $70,086

St. Clair $66,488

St. Joseph $38,152

Sanilac $50,405

Schoolcraft $50,739

Shiawassee $37,183

Tuscola $51,263

Van Buren $53,503

Washtenaw $94,449

Wayne $449,886

Wexford $30,891

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