Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.31307
For the purpose of implementing this part, the boards may receive and accept in the name of the county gifts and grants of land and other property and grants-in-aid from any person, and may buy, sell, exchange, or condemn land and other property or property interests, including the rights of riparian owners to surplus waters, in any county where the land and property are located. The department, if direct acceptance by the boards is not possible, may accept the gifts or grants on their behalf. The boards shall not use any money of the county to implement the terms and provisions of this part, but shall finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of the dams wholly and solely from gifts or grants-in-aid that may be received and from fees and charges as may be made for the use of the surplus water.
MCL 324.31307