The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delivered $36,957 in Shared Revenue payments to the five municipalities in which Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge administers lands, including the Townships of Spaulding, James, Bridgeport and Thomas and the City of Saginaw. 

While Federal lands are tax exempt, the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act provides yearly payments to local units of government for lands under the administration of the Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Shared revenue funds are derived from the economic use of Service lands plus a supplemental Congressional appropriation.  For Fiscal Year 2007, revenues and the supplemental Congressional appropriation are sufficient to provide for a nationwide payment of 43.1 percent of the full entitlement amount.  This amount represents the 2006 payment made in Fiscal Year 2007.

These payments are one more way the Fish and Wildlife Service adds to the quality of life in Saginaw County.  Although Shiawassee Refuge requires little in the way of services such as schools, sewers, roads, and utilities, these payments can be used by local communities to provide these services, and many others, to their residents.  Further, the refuge is here as a home for wildlife and natural habitats, which families from throughout the region can come and enjoy.

The majority of Refuge lands are within Spaulding Township which received the largest sum ($28,159).  The other governmental units to receive payments include James Township ($5,942), Bridgeport Charter Township ($2,630), City of Saginaw ($116), and Thomas Township ($110).