The factual findings of the tribunal are final, provided that they are supported by competent, material, and substantial evidence on the whole record. The purpose of the Michigan Strategic Fund Act is to assist the economy of the state by, inter alia , promoting and developing agriculture, forestry, commerce, and industry. The act authorizes the creation of centers for research and development and created a research center fund that is used to provide financial aid to nonprofit research and development enterprises. The act also provides a tax exemption for property owned and used by a research and development corporation while the property is used or occupied solely for the purpose of performing research and development. The provisions of the act are to be liberally construed to effectuate its stated purpose.
Statutory interpretation is a question of law subject to de novo review on appeal.
The primary goal of statutory interpretation is to ascertain and give effect to the intent of the Legislature in enacting a provision. Statutory language should be construed reasonably, keeping in mind the purpose of the statute. The first criterion in determining intent is the specific language of the statute. If the statutory language is clear and unambiguous, judicial construction is neither required nor permitted, and courts must apply the statute as written. However, if reasonable minds can differ regarding the meaning of a statute, judicial construction is appropriate.