Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.60302
The soil and economic survey provided for in this part shall be conducted by counties; and the order in which the soil and economic survey is conducted shall be determined by the department. The purpose of the work is to procure and make available for public use information and data as to the character of the lands surveyed; their adaptability to agricultural purposes or similar uses; the various crops, if any, that may be profitably raised on those lands; and such other matters as are considered desirable and advantageous. The details of the work shall be under the direction and control of the department, which shall employ assistants as the department considers necessary. The compensation of these persons shall be established by the department, and paid as provided in this part. The employees of the department may be reimbursed only for money actually and necessarily expended in the performance of their duties under this part, such reimbursement to be made out of the fund created by this part.
MCL 324.60302