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MARQUETTE - The state House and Senate are expected Thursday to reconcile bills that would provide funding for state parks through the sale of "recreational passports."

"We feel it's a way to rethink how we charge people to come into the park," said Michigan Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Mary Dettloff.

For state residents, recreational passports would replace motor vehicle stickers required to enter parks or use state boat launches. The annual passports would be cheaper and would be purchased when residents register their motor vehicles with the state.

Residents could opt out of the fee if they indicate that they won't use their vehicle to enter a state park or public boating access site during the registration period. The DNR would have the authority to create a method for individuals who opted out of the fee to purchase a recreational passport later.

Non-resident and commercial vehicles would still have to obtain motor vehicle and boating access site permits.

Passport fees would be: $10 annual resident (vehicle); $5 annual resident (motorcycle); $29 annual non-resident; $8 daily non-resident; and $15 daily for a commercial vehicle. The recreational passport fee would cost $14 less per car and $19 less per motorcycle than the current motor vehicle stickers.

Backers of the plan expect it would raise $38.1 million for state parks and local recreational programs. Dettloff said the purchase of passports by the public would be a good measure of the DNR's success in attracting visitors back to parks.

"Every year, they'll be deciding again," Dettloff said, referring to the passport purchasing public.

State Rep. Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, was among those lawmakers who voted recently in the house to support the plan.

"The U.P. is blessed with beautiful state parks that draw in visitors from all over the state and nation," Lahti said in a news release. "This plan will make it easier for motorists to enter Michigan parks and enjoy our special way of life. Many people flock to our parks looking for a place to relax, and this pass will give our visitors one less thing to worry about."

The plan also creates the Local Public Recreation Facilities Fund, which would provide grants to local governments to develop public recreational facilities.

Dettloff said after the Legislature reconciles the bills, they will be sent to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for her signature.