Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Accountancy, Michigan Board of Acupuncture, Michigan Beef Industry Commission, Michigan Cherry Committee, Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, Michigan Board of Nursing, Michigan Board of Pharmacy, Michigan Public Service Commission, Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors, Board of Law Examiners, and the Municipal Stability Board.

 

Michigan Board of Accountancy

 

Antonio C. Brown, of Lathrup Village, is certified public accountant and the chief financial officer of the Detroit Public Library. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Master of Education from Wayne State University. Mr. Brown is appointed to represent certified public accountants for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds David Barrons whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Christonna C. Campbell, of Romulus, is recently retired from the Washtenaw County Department of Human Services where she served as a service program manager. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work and a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Campbell is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Jennifer Kluge whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Kathleen Isleib, of Negaunee, is a certified public accountant and an accounting instructor at Northern Michigan University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University and a Master of Accounting Science from Northern Illinois University. Ms. Isleib is appointed to represent a full-time instructor of accounting above the elementary level at an accredited college or university for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Ola M. Smith whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

The Michigan State Board of Accountancy is responsible for the certification, licensure, and regulation of certified public accountants and public accounting firms in Michigan.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Acupuncture

 

Zhiling Trowbridge, M.D., of Grand Rapids, most recently served as a physician with Spectrum Health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College and a Doctor of Medicine from the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and she studied acupuncture at the Harvard Structural Acupuncture program and Helms Medical Institute. Dr. Trowbridge is reappointed to represent a physician licensed under part 170 or 175 who has met the requirement in section 16513(2)(b), for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.

 

The Michigan Board of Acupuncture works with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 89 acupuncturists. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare, which is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of acupuncturists. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against registrants who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Beef Industry Commission

 

Jon Haindl, of Cooks, is the owner and operator of Jarhian Farm. He holds a degree in agriculture education from Michigan State University. Mr. Haindl is reappointed to represent cattle growers for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring May 31, 2024.

 

Leon D. Knirk, of Quincy, is the owner of LDK Farms. He holds an associates degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Davenport University. Mr. Knirk is appointed to represent cattle feeders for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring May 31, 2024. He succeeds Dale Oeschger whose term expired May 31, 2021.

 

Jennifer L. Lewis, of Jonesville, is the human resources director and manager of Pleasant View Dairy. She is the district 2 director and an executive committee member of the Michigan Farm Bureau and treasurer of the Hillsdale County Dairy Promoters. Mrs. Lewis is appointed to represent dairy farmers for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring May 31, 2024. She succeeds Leonard Brown whose term expired May 31, 2021.

 

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission was created under Public Act 291 in 1972 to promote the sale of beef and beef products. The Commission, the Beef Promotion and Research Board, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association work together in a coordinated state and national effort to promote beef and veal products in order to hold market share and increase the demand for beef and veal.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Cherry Committee

 

Juliette King McAvoy, of Central Lake, is the vice president of sales and marketing for King Orchards, Inc. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Agri-Business Management and Horticulture from Michigan State University. Ms. King McAvoy is reappointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024.

 

Emily A. Miezio, of Suttons Bay, is the receiving station manager for Cherry Bay Orchards. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hope College and a Master of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University. Ms. Miezio is reappointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing June 30, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024.

 

The Michigan Cherry Committee was developed for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers by creating greater marketing opportunities for their fruit. The Committee conducts advertising and promotion programs, assembles, and disseminates market information, and supports research into new marketing methods.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science

 

Richard E. Bowerman, II, of Munising, is the funeral director and vice president of Bowerman Funeral Home, Inc. He holds an associate’s degree in mortuary science from Worhsam College of Mortuary Science and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lakeland College. Mr. Bowerman is appointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Mark Canale whose term expires June 30, 2021.

 

Mark T. Evely, Ph.D., of Swartz Creek, is the chair of the Wayne State University Department of Applied Health Sciences and an assistant professor and program director for the mortuary science program. Dr. Evely is also a funeral director for the A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors and Harry J. Will Funeral Home. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Dr. Evely is appointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Kathleen Barone whose term expires June 30, 2021,

 

Charlotte N. Goutimy, of Dearborn, is the supervisor of the Department of Business Operations for Henry Ford Health System. She holds an associate’s degree in commerce and arts from Henry Ford Community College. Ms. Goutimy is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Thomas Chrzanowski whose term expires June 30, 2021.

 

The Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of mortuary science licensees, residential trainees, and funeral homes.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

 

Bernard Lawler, of Grand Blanc, is a consultant with Bernard Lawler Enterprise. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice from the University of Michigan-Flint. Mr. Lawler is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Samantha West whose term expires June 30, 2021.

 

Illami Romero Martinez-King, of Lansing, is a marriage and family therapist and owner of Holistic Vida Therapy, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Family Community Service from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Ms. Romero Martinez-King is appointed to represent licensed marriage and family therapists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Laura Mammen whose term expires June 30, 2021.

 

The Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy was created to license and regulate the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan, which is the provision of guidance, testing, discussions, therapy, instruction, or advice that is intended to avoid, eliminate, relieve, manage, or resolve marital or family conflict or discord, to create, improve, or restore marital or family harmony, or to prepare couples for marriage. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Nursing

 

Kimberly M. Cox, of Davison, is a registered nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Ascension Genesys Hospital and the chief union steward for Teamsters Local 332. She holds an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing from Mott Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State University. Ms. Cox is appointed to represent registered professional nurses with a baccalaureate degree engaged in nursing practice or nursing administration, for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Sarah Coker whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Stephanie L. DePetro, of Marquette, is a registered nurse with the UP Health System. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University. Ms. DePetro is appointed to represent registered professional nurses with a baccalaureate degree engaged in nursing practice or nursing administration, for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Tiffany McDonald whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Patricia A. Duncan, of Canton, is a licensed practical nurse and the dermatology lab monitoring program manager for the University of Michigan Health System. She earned her LPN from the MDTA School of Practical Nursing and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Family Life Education and Human Services from Spring Arbor University. Ms. Duncan is appointed to represent license practical nurses for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Tatyana Chatman whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Lori A. Glenn, DNP, of Huntington Woods, is a certified nurse midwife with Hurley Medical Center and a clinical associate professor at the University of Detroit Mercy McAuley School of Nursing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College of Detroit, Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery from the University of Illinois, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Glenn is reappointed to represent nurse midwives for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.

 

Toni Schmittling, DNPA, of Farmington Hills, is a certified registered nurse anesthetist with Northstar Anesthesia and Sinai-Grace Hospital and the president and owner of Collaborative Anesthesia Staffing Solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science from the University of Detroit, and a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice from the University of Michigan-Flint. Ms. Schmittling is appointed to represent nurse anesthetists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Glenn O’Connor whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

Nanette L. Watson, DNP, of Ithaca, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Family Health Psychiatric and Counseling. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University, Master of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Oakland University. Ms. Watson is appointed to represent nurse practitioners for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Kristin Ahrens whose term expired June 30, 2021.

 

The Michigan Board of Nursing was created to establish qualifications for nurse licensure, to establish standards for education and approve nurse education programs, develop and implement criteria for assurance of continued competency, and take disciplinary action against licensees when the health, safety, and welfare of the public has been adversely affected.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Pharmacy

 

Pierre Boutros, PharmD, of Birmingham, is the principal and CEO of OneCare LTC, LLC. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Mr. Boutros is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Kathleen Pawlicki whose term expire June 30, 2021.

 

Kyle A. McCree, of Grand Blanc, is the director of state government affairs for Consumers Energy. He holds a Bachelor of Business Sciences in Finance from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Mr. McCree is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.

 

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to oversee the practice of pharmacy as a health service, the clinical application of which includes the encouragement of safety and efficacy in the prescribing, dispensing, administering and use of drugs and related articles for the prevention of illness and the maintenance and management of health. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Public Service Commission

 

Katherine L. Peretick, of Plymouth, is a current commissioner with the Michigan Public Service Commission. Prior to her appointment in December 2020, Peretick was the director of engineering for NRStor, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Energy Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan. Ms. Peretick is reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing July 3, 2021 and expiring July 2, 2027.

 

The mission of the Michigan Public Service Commission is to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible energy and telecommunications services at reasonable rates for Michigan residents.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons

 

Maggie L. Badgley, of Cheboygan, is the finance manager for M&M Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Kraków University of Economics in Poland and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Badgley is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2024. She succeeds Robert Craig whose term expired June 30, 2020.

 

Christopher M. Germain, of Escanaba, is a realtor with Premier Real Estate, Inc. He holds an Institute One Certification from Holloway’s Real Estate Institute. Mr. Germain is reappointed to represent real estate brokers and salespersons for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025.

DNR Events – July 2021

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DNR Events – July 2021

black and white photos from Archives of Michigan

Here are a few ways to enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in July. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.


Interested in genealogy? Register for online family history seminar

Judy RussellRegistration is open for the 2021 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar, which will be held virtually via Zoom July 9-10.

This annual event, hosted by the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council, promotes family history awareness and teaches genealogical research skills.

This year’s featured speaker is Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL, “The Legal Genealogist.” A lawyer by trade, Russell writes, teaches and lectures on a variety of genealogical topics, ranging from using court records in family history to understanding DNA testing.

See the full program schedule with session descriptions and presenter bios.

Registration is $45 and includes access to all sessions and a downloadable syllabus. Register for the seminar before Wednesday, July 7.


Outdoor Adventure Center reopens July 16, offers in-person and virtual programs

young girl goes down tree slide at Outdoor Adventure CenterThe DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit is thrilled to announce its reopening July 16!

Join the OAC for its first days of indoor operations since March 2020 with Adventure Days, July 16-18. There will be activities inside and outside throughout the reopening weekend. A daily schedule of events will be posted soon.

Other OAC programs in July include:

  • July 10 – Mammal Investigations (outdoor program). Learn how wildlife biologists use signs that mammals leave behind (scat and tracks) to identify them, then put your skills to work on a fun scavenger hunt.
  • July 22 – Meet Your State Parks: Sit Back and Relax (virtual program). Take a virtual trip to some of Michigan’s state parks and learn about what you can enjoy there.
  • July 29 – Thrilling Thursdays: Meet the New OAC Crew in the Critter Room! Our monthly, family-friendly evening of fun is back, with free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. Educators will be in the Critter Room to interact with guests and answer questions about our newest reptile, amphibian and fish team members.
  • July 30 – Friend Fridays: Paddle Boarding (outdoor program). Bring your friends for an introduction to stand-up paddle boarding and an evening on the beautiful beach of Belle Isle.
  • July 31 – Explore the Outdoors, Discover Your Way (outdoor program). A guided hike through Milliken State Park and along the Detroit River, with opportunities to put your senses and creativity to work through photography, drawing or writing.

Baseball, black bears, biking and more: July learning adventures with the Michigan History Center

four men playing in vintage baseball gameLearn more about Michigan’s stories with the Michigan History Center’s online and in-person events in July.

The Walker Wheels Base Ball Club – a team that plays baseball the way it was played in the 1860s, when the game was still new and spelled as two words – is back in action at Cambridge Junction Historic State Park in Brooklyn this summer.

The Wheels will play the Royal Oak Wahoos at 2 p.m. July 11 and the Detroit Early Risers at 1 p.m. July 31. See the complete 2021 home schedule.

The games are free of charge; a Recreation Passport is required for park entry.

Enjoy a leisurely guided bike tour on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, courtesy of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee, starting at 9 a.m. July 23.

You’ll travel approximately 15 miles as you go from the Michigan Iron Industry Museum to Ishpeming and then back again. Stops along the way include the Jackson Mine and Old Town Negaunee.

Cost is $25, which includes the tour, lunch and handouts. The registration deadline is July 19. Download the 2021 Iron Ore Heritage Bike Tour registration form.

The bike tour also will be held Aug. 6 and 13.

A free weekly virtual lecture series exploring the Upper Peninsula’s intriguing history will be presented on the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Facebook page (Facebook account not required). Programs begin at 2 p.m. July lectures include:

  • July 13: Michigan Black Bears, presented by Gary Willis, Michigan DNR forester.
  • July 20: Empire Mine Cascade Range, presented by Allan Koski, author, and Ali Fulsher, editor. There also will be an in-person book signing at the museum from 1 to 3 p.m. July 21.
  • July 27: Architecture of Northern Michigan University, presented by Daniel Truckey, director of the Beaumier Heritage Center at NMU.

Classes offer intro to turkey and pheasant hunting, shooting sports

Three boys in shooting sports trailer with targetsSeveral state parks will host introductory classes to help newcomers get started with turkey hunting, pheasant hunting and archery.

Archery 101

This introductory archery course, suitable for ages 5 and up, will consist of a brief educational portion, a “get to know your bow” segment and some active target shooting practice.

Pheasant Friday

Join representatives from Pheasants Forever and learn about firearm safety and this organization’s effort to restore pheasant habitat. Participants will get a hands-on opportunity to shoot a BB gun with expert instruction in a safe environment and to take part in activities to learn about grasslands and pollinators.

Intro to Turkey Hunting Clinic

This “A to Z” class, in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, will cover everything you need to know to get started hunting wild turkeys, including how to find a location, scouting, calling and gear. There also will be an intro to BB gun shooting, with top shooter awards handed out at the end.

BB Gun Shoot

Join us as we team up with the National Wild Turkey Federation for this intro to BB gun shooting class. Top shooter awards will be handed out at the end.


Birdwatching, Donuts and Coffee at the RAM Center

Enjoy coffee and homemade donuts while learning basic birdwatching skills during the first Birdwatching, Donuts and Coffee event at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon July 2. Use your newfound birdwatching skills on a short, guided hike through the RAM Center’s trails.

Find summer fun on ‘100 ways to celebrate’ list

We’re halfway through the DNR’s 100th anniversary year, but there’s plenty of time left to check out our “100 ways to celebrate” and try your favorite centennial-inspired activities. The list offers ways to explore and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in every season and for all skills, abilities and interests.

AG Urges Reduction in Consumers Energy’s Electric Rate

AG Urges Reduction in Consumers Energy’s Electric Rate

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Michigan AG Nessel Urges Reduction in Consumers Energy’s Electric Rate Request

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to drastically reduce Consumers Energy Company’s pending rate increase request.

The Attorney General  intervened in the company’s request to increase rates with MPSC in March. The request includes an annual increase in revenues of $225 million, which would result in an 8.8% percent increase for residential ratepayers and  a 5.5% increase overall when considering all ratepayer classes – residential, commercial and industrial.

In her testimony, Nessel argues that the company’s request is not only excessive and unnecessary, but that MPSC should reduce rates. The testimony points out that based on current rates, Consumers Energy will receive excess revenue in the amount of $30.7 million and therefore should not receive another rate increase.

Even if the MPSC does not accept the recommendations and approves the Company’s request in whole or in part, Nessel also argued for change in how costs are allocated so that costs are more fairly distributed among customers. Under her testimony, residential customers would only see a 4.8% rate increase versus Consumers Energy’s 8.8% request.

“An 8.8% rate increase during a time when people are struggling with job loss and economic hardships is too much,” Nessel said. “I am fighting this exorbitant rate increase request and asking the MPSC to deny the request and grant a rate decrease. As this state’s chief consumer advocate, I will continue to advocate for all Michigan customers.”

The Attorney General’s intervention in Consumers Energy’s last electric rate case helped save electric customers nearly $154 million, which represented a savings of more than 60% from the company’s originally requested rate increase.

Since taking office, Nessel has saved Michigan consumers over $1 billion by intervening in utility cases before the MPSC.

Consumers Energy provides electricity to approximately 1.9 million customers in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

nearly $4 million in grants for recreational boating

nearly $4 million in grants for recreational boating

 

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– DNR News –

June 29, 2021
Contact: Vicki McGhee, 517-388-5341

DNR approves nearly $4 million in grants for recreational boating improvements and development


boating access site featuring a dock into the waterThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that more than $4 million in grant funding will be awarded to 23 communities throughout the state to boost recreational boating.

The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s waterways grant program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state. Today, the system includes more than 1,300 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes.

“Water and boating are at the heart of Michigan,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “We have residents who live on the water, those who travel all over the state to boat and visitors who come here from around the world because it’s the Great Lakes State. Michigan offers outdoor recreational opportunities and picturesque views not found anywhere else, and so it’s of utmost importance that the DNR helps invest and fund Michigan’s harbors and boating access sites for the benefit of all.”

Local units of government and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grant assistance for recreational boating improvements and development at grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites. The grant-in-aid program provides matching funding to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of required funds.

In 2020, when lake levels were at record highs, many facilities had emergency needs. As a result, the waterways grant program was strongly focused on assisting communities that had emergency infrastructure needs. Fortunately, this year with lake levels receding, the grants have been able to focus on more typical infrastructure improvements, such as engineering studies, design and infrastructure improvements.

This year, projects in Alger, Alpena, Baraga, Berrien, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Dickinson, Emmet, Houghton, Huron, Leelanau, Manistee, Marquette, Mason and Wayne counties were approved for projects that include emergency seawall replacement, skid pier replacement and overall marina improvements.

View a full list and descriptions of this year’s Waterways Program Grant awards.

The grants are funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived primarily from boat registration fees and a portion of Michigan’s gas tax that supports the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.

The application period for the next round of Waterways grant funding are due Friday, April 1, 2022.

Learn more about the grant program and application materials at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.


/Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

BAS – Twenty-two communities in 15 counties were awarded nearly $4 million to help boost recreational boating in Michigan. The state is home to 1,300-plus state-sponsored boating access sites that provide access to recreational boating, fishing and more.

DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
State Emergency Relief to low-income residents from flooding 

State Emergency Relief to low-income residents from flooding 

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2021 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

MDHHS provides State Emergency Relief to low-income residents who need home repairs because of flooding 

LANSING, Mich. – Low-income residents affected by recent flooding in Michigan may be eligible for emergency relief assistance through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

The State Emergency Relief program provides immediate help to families and individuals facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. It is available to eligible residents that need help with home repairs necessary to correct unsafe conditions and restore essential services.

Applicants must be the owner or purchaser of the home and meet other eligibility requirements – including income limits – to qualify.

“Flooding can be devastating – especially to households that lack the resources to fix unsafe conditions that can affect their families,” said Lewis Roubal, MDHHS chief deputy director for opportunity. “MDHHS is committed to assisting these families in paying for home repairs that are necessary due to flooding or other reasons.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a state of emergency in Wayne County in response to flooding. More flooding is possible in Michigan, with flood warnings in Kent and Clinton counties in place until Thursday.

The lifetime maximum amount of funds available for non-energy related home repairs is $1,500 per household. State Emergency Relief Program assistance is available for repairs not covered by homeowner’s insurance for the basic house structure, hot water heater, septic/waste disposal system, doors/windows, extermination services, electrical, plumbing, roofs and wells.

To apply for State Emergency Relief, visit www.michigan.gov/MIBridges. Anyone who does not have internet access or needs assistance applying can contact their local MDHHS office. Or call 2-1-1 to be referred to other community resources.