Tips for identifying and avoiding harmful algal blooms

Tips for identifying and avoiding harmful algal blooms

by | Jul 27, 2021 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2021

CONTACT:
MDHHS: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDARD: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724, [email protected]
EGLE: Hugh McDiarmid Jr., 517-230-7724, [email protected]

Stay safe this summer: tips for identifying and avoiding harmful algal blooms

LANSING, Mich. – If you or your family are living near or visiting Michigan waters in summer or fall months it is important to be aware of the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs).

HABs form due to a rapid overgrowth or bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria are naturally present in lakes, rivers and ponds. Unfortunately, some cyanobacteria produce toxins, called cyanotoxins, that can be present in cyanobacterial blooms, which at higher levels can be harmful to people and animals.

HABs usually occur in Michigan May through October, most commonly in August and September. The occurrence of cyanobacteria and their toxins has been confirmed in lakes across Michigan in previous years, and elevated toxin levels have been documented in a small percentage of Michigan lakes. During 2020, 61 HABs in 35 Michigan counties were reported to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

“Before going in the water, we recommend Michiganders look for visible algal blooms or scums on any lake, and that people and pets stay out of water in areas that look affected,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “If you may have had contact with or swallowed water with a HAB and feel sick, call your doctor or Poison Control at 800-222-1222. If symptoms are severe, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible.”

What does a HAB look like?

HABs can look like algal scums or mats, spilled paint or pea soup, or colored streaks on the water’s surface. Visit the HAB Picture Guide for examples of HABs and other algae and plants.

Blooms may last for days or sometimes weeks. Blooms can change in size, toxicity and location within the same day. They also may disappear on a waterbody, but then form at a later time.

What should people do if they think they have found a HAB?

Consult the HAB Picture Guide for examples of HABs and compare your sighting to other algae and plants found in lakes.

If you suspect you have found a HAB or have any suspicion:

  • Do not let people, pets or livestock in the water or near the shore in affected areas.
  • Unless the bloom covers a large part of the lake, you can still use any part of the lake that is not affected.
  • Always rinse off people and pets after contact with any lake water.
  • If there is a posted HAB advisory or closing, follow its instructions.
  • Report suspected HABs to EGLE by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 800-662-9278. If possible, include pictures of the suspected HAB.

What are the symptoms of HAB exposure?

Breathing in or swallowing water containing HABs and their toxins may cause the following symptoms: runny eyes or nose, asthma-like symptoms, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headaches, dizziness or difficulty breathing. Skin contact can cause rashes, blisters and hives.

Should residents be concerned about threats to animal health?

Animals, especially dogs, can become ill or die after contact with HABs. Signs of illness can include vomiting, diarrhea, staggered walking and convulsions. Preventative measures for dogs include keeping them out of the water wherever surface scums or discolored water are visible, bringing along clean, fresh water for them to drink and rinsing them off after contact with any lake water. If a pet or livestock animal becomes sick after contact with water that may have a HAB, contact a veterinarian right away.

Illness in an animal due to exposure to a HAB is reportable to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Cases can be reported by submitting a Reportable Disease Form, located at Michigan.gov/dvmresources under “Reportable Diseases,” or by calling 800-292-3939 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What can people do to help prevent HABs from occurring?

Michigan residents should learn about nutrient pollution, such as excess nitrogen and phosphorus, to reduce and prevent HABs. Excess nutrients may come from detergents, sewers, fertilizers and malfunctioned septic systems.

Michiganders can decrease nutrients getting into the water by:

  • Using phosphate-free detergents.
  • Disposing of pet waste properly.
  • Applying fertilizer only when necessary and applying the recommended amount according to label instructions. A buffer should be left when applying fertilizer near a lake or stream.
  • Promoting the use of natural shoreline (as opposed to hardened shoreline) including growing native vegetation along the water’s edge.
  • Joining a local organization or like-minded residents to develop or update a watershed management plan (WMP) if one does not already exist or is out-of-date. A WMP identifies pollutants that are causing water quality problems, the sources of those pollutants and recommends actions that can be taken to reduce pollutant inputs into surface waters.

Contacts for HAB questions

  • More information on health effects, causes, and reports on the occurrence of HABs in Michigan lakes can be found at Michigan.gov/habs.
  • For more information on HABs and your health, contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942.
  • For more information on HABs and pets and livestock, contact MDARD at 800-292-3939.
  • For more information on HABs and the environment, contact EGLE at 800-662-9278.
Support for Ford’s Battery Center of in Romulus

Support for Ford’s Battery Center of in Romulus

by | Jul 27, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 27, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, achtenbergk@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Support for Ford’s Global Battery Center of Excellence in Romulus

Ford Ion Park to be located in Romulus, locate 200 full-time engineers at the site

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today joined Ford Motor Company and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce support from the Michigan Strategic Fund for Ford’s new global battery center of excellence securing its location in Romulus and helping to drive momentum as the state continues to emerge as an electric vehicle R&D and manufacturing leader.

 

“Ford’s investment in battery research and development in Romulus will support hundreds of good-paying jobs, attract innovative talent to Michigan, and help us continue leading the world in advanced mobility and manufacturing,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Ford is an American icon that has left its mark on the world over a century, and with the research that will take place at Ford Ion Park, they will shape the next century while reducing emissions and accelerating electrification. This investment will help us continue our economic jumpstart and help us build back stronger than ever.”

 

Ford has proposed to invest approximately $100 million to create a state-of-the-art battery research facility at an existing facility in Romulus. This investment would include the purchase and renovation of the existing building on the site to support product development and manufacturing process research related to vehicle battery applications. Approximately 200 full-time engineers are expected to be located at the facility on or within 18 months of completion of renovation.

 

“We are thankful for the support of the MEDC and the Michigan Strategic Fund in helping establish Ford Ion Park in Romulus,” said Anand Sankaran, Ford Ion Park director. “The new lab will help Ford speed up the battery development process to deliver even more capable, affordable batteries and is part of Ford’s renewed commitment to making Michigan a centerpiece of its focus on EVs.”

 

To support this investment, the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a transfer of the existing Renaissance Zone to Ford. Today’s action allows the company to utilize the Renaissance Zone support for the remaining four years of the designation. The Zone has been in effect since January 1, 2011 and is set to expire December 31, 2025. Renaissance Zones are utilized to encourage new jobs and investment by providing a market-based incentive of reduced state and local taxes.

 

The new collaborative learning lab will use state-of-the-art technology to pilot new manufacturing techniques that will allow Ford to research and quickly scale breakthrough battery cell designs with novel materials as part of its plan to vertically integrates battery cells and batteries.

 

From mines to recycling, the Ford Ion Park team is working with experts across the company, including experts at Ford’s previously announced Battery Benchmarking and Test Laboratory, Ford Customer Service Division, plus key suppliers and partners.

 

Since December of 2019, Ford has announced nearly $2.5 billion in investment in Michigan largely around electric and autonomous vehicle manufacturing. They also represent more than 3,700 new jobs for Michigan’s manufacturing workforce.

 

In 2010, Ford committed to making Michigan its center of excellence for electric vehicles and chose the lab’s Romulus location with collaboration and expedited tech sharing in mind.

 

As part of Ford’s $30 billion investment in electrification by 2025, and a renewed commitment to making Michigan a centerpiece of it focus on EVs, the company also committed to assemble its all-new, all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning, with foreign and domestic parts, at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Mich. adding 500 new jobs with the support of the Good Jobs for Michigan Program. Ford also repositioned its half-century-old Van Dyke Transmission Plant in May – renaming it the Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center and expanding its production line to produce electric motors and electric transaxles for hybrid and fully electric vehicles, retaining a total of 225 Michigan jobs.

 

Ford is also transforming the historic, Michigan Central Station and several adjacent properties in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood into an innovation district and open platform to redefine the future of transportation and pave the way for the connected, autonomous and electrified world ahead.  Projects like these, in partnership with the efforts of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, ensure Michigan remains at the forefront of groundbreaking innovation and the home for economic opportunity.

 

“Michigan has the expertise and collaborative ecosystem to ensure companies can innovate and develop future transportation solutions and then bring those solutions to life with a workforce that builds and assembles the best vehicles driving the roads today,” said Quentin Messer, Jr. CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “Ford’s global battery center of excellence demonstrates the strength of the talent in the state’s R&D and automotive sectors and will ensure we can win the future mobility and EV manufacturing right here in Michigan.”

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
$7M Approved for Wrongful Imprisonment Act Fund

$7M Approved for Wrongful Imprisonment Act Fund

by | Jul 26, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, July 26, 2021

Attorney General Nessel Issues Statement on $7M Approved for Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act Fund

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer signing Senate Bill 27, a supplemental appropriations bill that includes $7 million for the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act (WICA) Fund:

“For months now, we’ve known the WICA fund was running into the red as the Legislature negotiated budget bills. While I am encouraged to see $7 million go back into the fund with this bill signing, I urge our legislators to understand the priority this fund must have for pending and future claims.

“When the Act was signed in 2016, it was a promise to provide relief to those who spent years of their lives in prison for crimes they did not commit. Assisting these individuals as they restart their lives is one way to right that wrong. We owe the wrongfully imprisoned more than just compensation – we owe them support and respect. That cannot be achieved without a proper appropriation to the WICA Fund.”

Previously, the Department of Treasury notified the Legislature that the WICA funds were running low, pursuant to state law, through two 60-day insufficient funding notices. One notice was sent in January, the other was sent last month. Last week, the funds were depleted completely.

Prior to the fund reaching $0, Gilbert Poole was awarded a judgment of just under $1.6 million for the more than three decades he spent in prison for a crime he did not commit. But Treasury was only able to process $370,730.86, which was the remaining fund balance. More than $1.2 million remains owed to Poole. Nessel’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) worked alongside the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Innocence Project to obtain an exoneration for Poole in May. Once Poole’s remaining balance is removed from the replenished $7 million, there still remains more than $8.3 million in pending claims currently being reviewed and litigated.

Among the pending WICA claims is a complaint asking for $778,377.18 in compensation plus costs and attorney fees for Corey McCall. The CIU announced the vacation and dismissal of McCall’s conviction last month after collaboration with the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office, the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, and the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Innocence Project.

Launched in 2019, Nessel’s CIU investigates credible claims of innocence to ensure no one is convicted of a crime they didn’t commit.
Bill to Put Michigan’s Economic Recovery First 

Bill to Put Michigan’s Economic Recovery First 

by | Jul 26, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 26, 2021

Contact: [email protected]   

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Funding Bill to Put Michigan’s Economic Recovery First

The legislation provides financial resources for flooding recovery and additional support for local police.

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Senate Bill 27 to appropriate $384.7 million in supplemental relief funding to support the recovery of individuals, families, and small businesses to help them emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in a stronger position. A total of $367.7 million is from federal COVID relief funding that was authorized through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, while another $17 million is from the state’s general fund.

 

“Right now, our top priority remains moving our state and economy forward so that Michigan families and small businesses can emerge stronger than ever,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  “This is another example of the good things that can happen when we work together and put Michiganders back to work. I also appreciate the good-faith efforts by members of the legislature to help us deliver financial assistance for families recovering from unprecedented flooding and additional funding to support local law enforcement so that they can keep our families safe. We are going to continue putting Michigan families and small businesses first as we get things done for our state.”

 

As part of the supplemental funding bill, Governor Whitmer is delivering $10 million in state general funds to be used to assist areas of the state with restoration costs and other expenses resulting from weather-related events that occurred in June 2021.

 

To boost public safety, $2.7 million in federal funding has been allocated for the Secondary Road Patrol Program, which provides grants to county sheriff’s departments for the patrol of secondary roads.

 

“Sheriff Secondary Road Patrols contribute to the safety of Michigan’s motoring public.  We have seen over the past two years an increase in traffic fatalities and serious injuries, that can be directly related to a lack of traffic safety enforcement resources,” said Matthew M. Saxton, CEO/Executive Director, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. “The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriffs across the state are grateful that the legislature and Governor have recognized and are committed to funding this important public safety need.  We look forward to working together for the safety of Michigan’s motoring public.”

 

The new funding includes $105 million in federal funds to provide a 40 percent rate increase to child development and care program providers for the 2020-21 fiscal year, and a modification to pay providers based on enrollment rather than based on attendance starting on June 28, 2021 and ending September 30, 2021.

 

“Hope Starts Here applauds Governor Whitmer’s leadership in allocating $105 million in federal funds to provide a 40 percent rate increase to child development and care program providers for the 2020-21 fiscal year,” said Denise Smith, Implementation Director, Hope Starts Here. “This allocation also includes a modification to pay providers based on enrollment rather than based on attendance starting on June 28, 2021 and ending September 30, 2021. These are huge shifts toward stabilizing the early childhood workforce. Without funding, childcare providers especially in less resourced communities across our region cannot re-open and rebuild to support returning workers. Supporting childcare providers means they can pay fair wages to their workforce, stay in operation and support Michigan’s children and families. It’s the right thing to do get Michigan back on track.”

 

A total of $160 million in federal funds is included to provide grant awards to hospitals based on total state Medicaid inpatient claims revenue to help cover increased hospital costs and reduced hospital revenue related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, $100 million in federal funds is provided for a $23.00 per Medicaid day increase to nursing facilities that have experienced a 5% or greater decline in the nursing facility’s average daily census.

 

“Michigan hospitals have experienced significant financial hardships while caring for over 125,000 COVID-19 patients over the past 16 months of the pandemic,” said Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters. “We want to thank our partners in the Legislature and Gov. Whitmer for passing this supplemental allocation that will help hospitals maintain access to care for Michigan residents throughout our state.”

 

Lastly, $7 million in state general funds were allocated to the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Fund to support statutorily required payments to those deemed to have been wrongfully imprisoned and eligible for compensation from the state under 2016 PA 363.

 

QUOTES FROM LAWMAKERS

 

“We’ve come a long way from where we were during the uncertainty of last year’s budget cycle,” said Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “The supplemental funding that was signed into law today would provide major relief to hospitals that have struggled with resources over the last year, funding to help improve childcare here in Michigan, and money to boost secondary road patrols in the less-traveled areas of my district. We’ve made major investments in education, roads and bridges, along with other COVID-19 relief funding, and with this supplemental being signed, we are taking another step forward for Michigan residents.”

  • State Senator Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City

 

“The lack of quality, affordable child care is a struggle for families and employers. By signing this bill, Gov Whitmer is putting over $100 million into better wages for employees and more access for parents.”

  • State Senator Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor

 

“This vital assistance will help our hospitals, nursing facilities and child development and care programs continue to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting financial repercussions.”

  • State Representative Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Twp.

 

“After the devastating floods in Dearborn, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work immediately  to advocate for relief for our families. I’m proud to have helped negotiate and secure this $10 million in emergency response funds to get through this crisis and assist Dearborn and other municipalities with the ongoing efforts. We have more work to do, but this is a step in the right direction as we work to rebuild.”

  • State Representative Abdullah Hammoud, D-Dearborn
Whitmer Sends Letters of Gratitude to Small Businesses

Whitmer Sends Letters of Gratitude to Small Businesses

by | Jul 26, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 23, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Sends Letters of Gratitude to Small Businesses Who Stepped Up During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

LANSING, Mich. – This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent letters of gratitude to more than 200 small businesses across Michigan who stepped up in exceptional ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. These small businesses selflessly pivoted their business models and put their communities first, which strongly contributed to Michigan’s efforts to keep Michiganders safe and healthy amidst these historic challenges.

 

“I am completely in awe of the resilience and determination of Michigan’s small businesses to stand strong and push forward during such unprecedented times,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Small businesses are crucial to the success of our economy, and we are more than ready to get back on track and uplift our local entrepreneurs to continue to make this state a great place to work and live.”

 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses converted their machines and labor to make and distribute personal protective equipment, fresh meals, and other necessary resources to frontline workers and people in need. They also provided inspiration and offered services to combat loneliness in quarantine.

 

“This pandemic has made it clear that small businesses have always been the heart and soul of our communities,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “I am proud of the hard-working, selfless Michiganders who have supported their fellow residents and local economies. Their actions spread hope to all of us.”

 

Because small businesses have been so important to the pandemic response in Michigan, it has been important to Governor Whitmer to personally commend their efforts. In addition to words of gratitude, Governor Whitmer is investing in small businesses in concrete ways. Central to her plan to jumpstart the economy is the Michigan Mainstreet Initiative, a $300 million investment to uplift small businesses.

 

Earlier this week, Governor Whitmer kicked off the MI Small Business Summer tour and launched the Michigan.gov/SmallBusiness site to help Small Businesses navigate state programs and services available to help them not only recover, but grow and thrive in the years to come. Throughout the pandemic, the state’s dozens of economic relief programs for businesses supported more than 25,000 companies and retained more than 200,000 jobs.

 

The state of Michigan is already seeing promising economic results: Michigan’s economy grew 7.6% in the first quarter of 2021, the best in the Midwest, and an independent analysis from the financial publication Credible states that Michigan’s economic recovery is the 2nd strongest nationwide.

 

Small businesses from every corner of the state stepped up throughout the pandemic. To view the list and map of Michigan small businesses that stepped up, click the links below.