June 2021 - Page 7 of 25

Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week June 27-July 4

by Becky Andrus | Jun 23, 2021 | Environmental

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-388-3135
Kevin Walters, Aquatic Biologist, [email protected], 616-250-8637

Boating, fishing outreach events to mark Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week June 27-July 4

More than 64 boat landing events are planned across the state to mark this year’s Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, June 27 to July 4. Public awareness about the impacts of harmful, nonnative aquatic plants and animals is critical to protecting Michigan’s ecosystems, tourism and economy.

The boat landing events are part of the eighth annual Landing Blitz in which representatives of state departments and local partners such as lake associations and cooperative invasive species management areas give boaters tips to prevent the spread of harmful species and comply with recently-updated laws. The Landing Blitz website allows you to search for an event near you. Similar AIS Landing Blitz events will be held in each of the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation to mark Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week and raise awareness about this important issue to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants and organisms.

Follow these simple steps to avoid the proliferation of aquatic invasive species:

Required actions – it’s the law in Michigan

Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting.
Remove all drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before transporting a watercraft.
Dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.

Recommended additional actions – protect our waters by following these steps

Clean boats, trailers and equipment by removing plants, debris, and mud before leaving the access area. Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body, if possible.
Wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.
Dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body.
Disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water.)

A short EGLE video from a past Landing Blitz shows how easy it is to clean, drain and dry boats and trailers.

“Everyone has a part to play in helping prevent the spread of invasive species,” said Kevin Walters, aquatic biologist with EGLE. “Education is key to protecting Michigan’s incredible natural resources.”

Events at boat launches are contingent on weather and volunteer availability. Contact Kevin Walters at [email protected] for a list of events.

AIS Awareness Week is sponsored by EGLE’s Water Resources Division, in partnership with the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, federal agencies and private and nonprofit organizations. For more information about AIS Awareness Week or the AIS Landing Blitz visit Michigan’s invasive species web site at Michigan.gov/Invasives.

helping Michiganders get back to work safely

by Becky Andrus | Jun 23, 2021 | Regional News

MIOSHA updates COVID-19 emergency rules to align with Federal OSHA

June 22, 2021

Media Contact: Camara Lewis, 517-930-4928

Today, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) filed COVID-19 emergency rules to align with Federal OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The updated rules are effective today and set to expire Dec. 22, 2021. The rules rescind the emergency rules issued on May 24, 2021 and focus on health care.

The updated MIOSHA emergency rules adopt the Federal OSHA ETS and focus on health care settings where known or suspected COVID-19 patients may be present. These workplaces may have a higher exposure risk for employees and need continued protections to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“As we continue to get Michigan back to work, our priority remains keeping workplaces safe for employees and protecting customers as they support these businesses,” said Governor Whitmer. “With our state at full capacity, we can boost our economic Jumpstart and ensure businesses can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever while keeping their workers safe.”

Dialing back workplace rules for non-health care settings allows employers to use their best judgment in determining whether to maintain:

Daily health screenings;
Face covering requirements; and
Social distancing requirements.

Nevertheless, MIOSHA strongly encourages workplaces to follow the available CDC and OSHA recommendations to mitigate hazards.

MIOSHA has a duty to protect Michigan workers and the agency’s emergency rules have provided employers and employees with the guidance and certainty they needed to stay safe. These updated rules demonstrate that the agency has the flexibility it needs to ensure consistency with federal OSHA.

Non-healthcare settings should align policies with CDC guidelines to ensure they help contain the spread of COVID-19. Federal OSHA has updated guidance for non-healthcare employers as well.

“These updates recognize the great progress we have made in Michigan to contain COVID-19 and the power of vaccinations. We will continue to provide critical workplace protections more focused on areas of increased COVID-19 risk,” said Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan. “In non-health care settings, it’s important that all employers recognize that they have a general duty to provide a safe workplace.”

To request MIOSHA’S consultation, education and training services, call 517-284-7720 or online at MIOSHA Request for Consultative Assistance.

For more information about MIOSHA’s safety and health guidelines to protect Michigan’s workforce, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using COVID-19 hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).

To report health and safety concerns in the workplace, go to Michigan.gov/MIOSHAcomplaint.

Legislation to Provide Food and Rental Assistance to Families

by Becky Andrus | Jun 23, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Food and Rental Assistance to Families Across Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed a bipartisan bill to invest $2.2 billion in federal COVID relief funding to support the recovery of individuals, families, and businesses struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new funding helps families put food on the table through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and keep a roof over their head through the Emergency Rental Assistance program.

“As we look ahead, we have an unprecedented opportunity to use federal stimulus funds to help Michigan’s families, small businesses, and communities emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever before,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The bipartisan bill that I signed today is the result of good-faith efforts by members of the legislature and it is a testament to what we can do together: make a real difference in people’s lives right now. With life getting back to normal, we are turning full attention to our state’s economic jumpstart by creating jobs with higher wages, giving small businesses the needed capital to ramp up hiring and boost investment, and making sure every family has access to affordable, quality childcare.”

In addition to the money for food and housing, funding is provided to help local governments continue providing essential services and sends disaster relief dollars directly to counties, cities, and hospitals for their COVID vaccination efforts as well as communities impacted by the historic flooding last year in Midland.

Funding in the bill is specifically provided as follows:

Within the Department of Health and Human Services: $1.5 billion in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding to support a 15% increase in monthly food assistance benefits through September 30, 2021, providing temporary assistance to families needing emergency food.

Within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity: $378.3 million in federal funding for grant awards to be distributed and used to assist renter households at or below 80% of area median income, supporting the Emergency Rental Assistance Program which includes rental and utility assistance payments, housing stability services, and case management to eligible renter households impacted by COVID-19.

Within the Department of State Police: $65.2 million in federal funding for payment to vendors for emergency and disaster response and mitigation services provided in areas throughout the state.

Within the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget: $21.0 million in state funding for a one-time purchase of tax vouchers issued by the state to the Venture Michigan Fund (VMF) which is used to generate investment capital from lenders. This results in projected savings through the avoidance of interest that would accrue on vouchers.

Within the Department of Treasury: $322.1 million in federal funding to distribute to local units of government to be used for the following: to provide assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits; to aid industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; to provide premium pay for essential workers; to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year; and to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband.

“I’m glad we’re getting these critical FEMA disaster assistance dollars out to impacted communities and putting our federal relief funds to effective use helping struggling Michiganders feed their families, supporting local governments and ensuring people have access to emergency rental assistance,” said Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“I am proud to serve with a governor who has worked with both sides of the aisle to assure Michigan roars out of this pandemic,” said State Senator Curtis Hertel Jr., D-East Lansing.

“Necessary resources such as food, rental, and utility assistance for Michigan residents are critical as we continue to respond to COVID-19’s impacts,” said State Representative Joe Tate, D-Detroit. “This bill provides the necessary funds to do just that.”

“This has been a difficult year-and-a-half for Michigan families,” said State Representative Thomas Albert, R-Lowell. “I am glad we were able to come together and get this time-sensitive funding out the door.”

Funding available for electric commercial vehicles

by Becky Andrus | Jun 23, 2021 | Environmental

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-388-3135
Debbie Swartz, Environmental Quality Specialist, [email protected], 517-582-1578

Funding available for electric, hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles

In support of Governor Whitmer’s priorities for a just transition to a low carbon transportation sector, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced today it is offering a second round of funding for electric, hydrogen fuel cell or diesel-electric hybrid commercial and mass transit vehicles to replace older, diesel-fueled models. Grants can also be used to buy charging stations for the electric vehicles.

The application window opens today and runs through Aug. 20, 2021. A webinar has been scheduled for 1 p.m. July 13 to explain the funding opportunity and to answer questions from potential applicants.

A total of $16 million through EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program (FTP) has been allocated to replace medium and heavy-duty diesel trucks, shuttle and transit buses (Classes 4-8) and port drayage vehicles. School buses are not eligible for funding. Individual grants range from $50,000 to $3 million.

The request for proposals information is posted on the Fuel Transformation Program website.

Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation at the webinar should contact Joel Roseberry at 517-599-9494 [email protected] by June 29 to request language, mobility, visual, hearing, translation and/or other assistance.

EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program has among its goals reducing nitrogen oxide emissions to improve air quality and increasing the adoption of zero emission vehicles and equipment by removing financial obstacles to replacing older diesel vehicles. The transportation grants help EGLE to leverage available funding for an equitable and clean transportation sector that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps businesses transition to a low-carbon future of economywide carbon-neutrality by 2050.

Future rounds of grants will allocate up to $9 million to replace freight switchers, Great Lakes ferries and tugs and install shore power and offer up to $5 million to replace airport ground support equipment, port cargo handling equipment and forklifts. Funding details will be announced in 2022 and 2023.

All the grants are supported with Volkswagen diesel settlement funds allocated to Michigan. The Michigan Volkswagen Settlement Beneficiary Mitigation Plan has details about the various vehicle and equipment replacement options. The settlement money must be distributed by October 2027, a decade after the money was allocated to the states.

For more information about the RFPs, contact Debbie Swartz at [email protected].

Whitmer & Gilchrist Celebrate Reopening State to Full Capacity

by Becky Andrus | Jun 22, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

PHOTOS: Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Celebrate Reopening of State to Full Capacity, Highlight the Administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan

More than nine million vaccines administered as new COVID cases fall to one-year low.

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist today celebrated the reopening of state to full capacity at Belle Isle in Detroit and highlighted the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan focused on strengthening the economy and putting Michiganders back to work. Starting today, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100% and the state will no longer require residents to wear a face mask.

“Today is a day that we have all been waiting for, as we can safely get back to normal day-to-day activities and move forward together,” said Governor Whitmer. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the medical experts and health professionals who stood on the frontlines to keep us all safe. And we are incredibly thankful to all of the essential workers who kept our state moving. Thanks to the millions of Michiganders who rolled up their sleeves to get the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, we have been able to make these changes ahead of schedule. Our top priority going forward is taking full advantage of the billions in federal relief funding and our $3.5 billion surplus to jumpstart our economy. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that Michigan’s families, small businesses, and communities emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever before.”

“This move positions our state to unlock the full economic potential of every person and community in Michigan. This is possible thanks to our dedicated health professionals and scientists who guided us through this pandemic and our targeted, effective vaccine rollout that helped Michiganders across the state access the vaccine,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “This will be an adjustment for many working families. That is why our administration is proposing unprecedented investments in critical areas like higher wages, access to childcare, and equity in education to rebuild and recover. We must work together to use this exceptional opportunity presented to us by COVID-19 federal funding to build back better from the pandemic and create brighter futures for every Michigander.”

“As a small business owner Covid 19 was devastating to my business, but with the help of the State of Michigan and Governor Whitmer, we were able to maintain and stay open,” said Tiffany Barber, owner of Tiffany’s Delicious Dogs LLC. “Tiffany’s Delicious Dogs was a City of Detroit vendor for 15 years, forced to change our business model to survive. With grants and training funded by the State of Michigan, to learn new business techniques we made it together and are thankful to our great Governor and the State of Michigan for the support to make it through the storm. We look forward to getting back to business in a safe environment guided by a great leader.”

Case rates, percent positivity and hospitalizations have all plummeted over the past several weeks, while vaccination rates continue to increase. To date, 61.2% of Michiganders ages 16 and older receiving their first vaccine dose. As part of these efforts, Michigan is partnering with organizations across the state to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.