State of the Great Lakes report topics

State of the Great Lakes report topics

by | Mar 1, 2022 | Environmental

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2022
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

Clean water investments, algal blooms, fisheries among annual State of the Great Lakes report topics

Significant issues affecting the Great Lakes from algal blooms to the historic MI Clean Water investment are covered in the 2021 State of the Great Lakes report released today by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of the Great Lakes (OGL).

Topics include the current state of knowledge on harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes; collaborative efforts to restore valuable fisheries like native whitefishes; new tools that hold promise to better understand groundwater resources; and an emphasis on the connectivity of all water resources.

“With 20 percent of the planet’s fresh surface water, Michigan has a special relationship with water,” said Liesl Clark, EGLE director. “As part of our stewardship role, this State of the Great Lakes report focuses on the activities and programs that will help protect our world-class water resources for future generations. It is vital that we respond to current issues and get ahead of challenges that must be met head-on. From resilient communities to sustainable water use and groundwater challenges, the report emphasizes the interconnectivity of Michigan’s waters.”

Emily Finnell, the OGL’s Great Lakes senior advisor and strategist, notes the report highlights the state’s historic investments in water infrastructure; opportunities for advancing water conservation and energy savings through water infrastructure improvements; collaborative partnerships that are advancing innovation in energy efficiency, mobility and autonomous water technologies; the importance of increasing equitable access to Michigan’s abundant water resources; and ways the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team is working to protect public health.

It also includes the accomplishments of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which marked its 50th anniversary, and the state’s Areas of Concern program.

The Office of the Great Lakes, which is part of EGLE, works to protect and restore Michigan’s waters. It works with partners to support sustainable communities, restore degraded waters, manage water quality and quantity, and prevent aquatic invasive species. Its mission is to ensure a healthy environment, strong blue economy and high quality of life for Michiganders.
Whitmer Launches Growing MI Business Grant Program

Whitmer Launches Growing MI Business Grant Program

by | Mar 1, 2022 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Launches Growing MI Business Grant Program to Deliver $409 Million to Support Michigan Businesses and Grow Economy

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced applications are now being accepted through Thursday, March 31 for the new Growing MI Business grant program, which was signed into law at the end of last year to deliver $409 million in additional support to businesses across the state.

 

“My number one goal is to put Michigan first, and that means making sure Michigan businesses have the resources they need to build on our economic momentum,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Over the last year, my administration has worked hard to add 220,000 jobs and help businesses bounce back. The Growing MI Business Grant Program will make a difference for Michigan’s business owners and communities across our state. I will continue supporting Michigan’s resilient, innovative businesses as they work to expand operations and create more jobs.”

 

Under the Growing MI Business grant program, eligible businesses in operation before October 1, 2019, may receive a grant up to $5 million due to financial hardship. Eligible businesses that began operating between October 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs.

 

Effective today, individuals can apply for business resources online at www.michigan.gov/abr.

 

Each business must submit a completed online application to the Michigan Department of Treasury no later than 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, March 31. Grant awardees will be notified in the spring and grant awards will be distributed by July 1, 2022.

 

Businesses interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to attend an information webinar from 1-2 p.m. EST on Monday, March 7. Details for signing up for the webinar can be found on the grant program’s website.

 

“Businesses thinking about applying are strongly encouraged to sign up for our March 7 webinar,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “It will be a great opportunity to learn about the details of the program and ask questions. It is critical for businesses to submit a correct application to avoid processing delays or exclusion from the program.”

 

Growing MI Business grants may be prorated depending upon the number of businesses that apply to ensure that all eligible businesses can receive funding. Grants will not be distributed based on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Under state law, there are nine types of businesses eligible a grant:

  • Entertainment venues
  • Recreational facilities and public places of amusement
  • Barbers and cosmetologists
  • Exercise facilities
  • Food service establishments
  • Nursery dealers and growers
  • Athletic trainers
  • Body art facilities
  • Hotels and bed & breakfast establishments

 

Getting Things Done 

Governor Whitmer is committed to supporting small businesses as Michigan emerges from the pandemic and ushers in a new era of prosperity. Through COVID, the state implemented 23 economic relief programs for businesses, supporting more than 25,000 companies and retaining more than 200,000 jobs. Now, Governor Whitmer is dedicated to helping small businesses navigate existing programs and services available to help them recover and thrive for years to come. Recently, the governor laid out a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities by tackling several underlying issues. As Michigan’s economic jumpstart continues, bolstered by a strong GDP, and a historic surplus, Governor Whitmer’s proposals will tackle underlying issues faced by small businesses and take advantage of the massive influx of federal resources Michigan has received to deliver meaningful change that makes a real difference for small businesses and Michigan workers.

 

 Key Numbers 

  • Ushered in 8.3% GDP growth, best in the Midwest again and third-best nationwide in Q2.
  • Took Michigan from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion surplus.
  • Launched 23 economic relief programs providing over $240 million in vital economic support to small businesses across all 83 Michigan counties. The programs supported over 25,000 companies and retained over 200,000 jobs with nearly 75% of support going to restaurants, bars, retailers and other service industry small businesses.
  • Saved 52,500 jobs by providing grants to 6,000 small businesses.
  • Provided $100 million through the Small Business Restart Program to help restaurants and other place-based businesses cover costs by providing grants up to $20,000 for mortgage, rent, taxes, payroll and other operating expenses.
  • Expanded Work Share to offer employers greater flexibility as they brought employees back from unemployment, provided over $550 million, preserved over 110,000 jobs, and helped nearly 2,600 employers retain workers and bring them back to the workforce.
  • Set up free virtual job fairs connecting over 2,600 employers and 9,900 job seekers.

 

Additional information about the Growing MI Business Grant Program – including frequently asked questions, fact sheets and previously recorded webinars – can be found on www.michigan.gov/abr.

 

State awards $3.6 million for invasive species projects

State awards $3.6 million for invasive species projects

by | Mar 1, 2022 | Recreation

 
March 1, 2022
Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

State awards $3.6 million for invasive species projects

The state of Michigan today announced that 31 projects will share $3.6 million in grants through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

A man washes a boat near a boat launch.The program – cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources – addresses prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic (water-based) and terrestrial (land-based) invasive species in Michigan through four key objectives:

  • Preventing the introduction of new invasive species.
  • Strengthening the statewide invasive species early detection and response network.
  • Limiting the spread of recently confirmed invasive species.
  • Managing and controlling widespread, established invasive species.

This year’s grantees have offered $541,500 in matching funds and services to support these projects, leveraging a total investment of $4,141,500.

Improving prevention and management

This year’s grants will provide funding for a range of efforts targeting aquatic invasive species:

  • Continuing Michigan’s RIPPLE (Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes) program to prevent introductions of aquarium and water garden pets and plants to Michigan waters.
  • Incorporating the retired DNR research vessel Chinook as an exhibit for education on Great Lakes aquatic invasive species issues at the Besser Museum in Alpena.
  • Limiting the spread of aquatic invasive species by engaging watercraft inspectors and purchasing and deploying two boat-wash units at boating access sites across Schoolcraft and Delta counties in the Upper Peninsula.
  • Developing an effective, systematic surveying design for European frog-bit that can be used to guide surveying for similar species of concern.
  • Increasing recreational boaters’ adoption of “Clean, Drain, Dry” practices by leveraging boating industry partnerships in a statewide messaging campaign.

Funding also will support projects to prevent and manage terrestrial invasive species:

  • Piloting an invasive species education and prevention program for off-road vehicle enthusiasts in northern Michigan.
  • Increasing releases of the leaf-feeding moth Hypena opulenta in Lower Michigan for biological control of invasive swallow-wort vines.
  • Testing airborne environmental DNA to detect hemlock woolly adelgid to aid in detection of new populations and evaluate current treatment measures.

Support in every Michigan county

Volunteers remove cattails and European frog-bit from shallow water near Alpena, Michigan.This year’s grants also will support 21 regional cooperative invasive species management areas, the network of partnership organizations working to manage and control invasive species and provide service to all 83 counties in the state. CISMA projects include enhanced education and outreach, technical assistance to landowners, and survey and treatment of high-priority invasive species.

Program background and progress

In 2014 the state Legislature designated $5 million in annual funding to address invasive species. This support substantially enhanced Michigan’s Invasive Species Program for aquatic organisms, supported a formal program for terrestrial species and initiated the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

Cover of the Michigan Invasive Species Program 2021 Annual ReportThis cycle marks the eighth year of program funding. To date, over $29 million has been awarded to support 202 projects undertaken by units of government, nonprofits and institutions. Because of this program:

  • More than 548,000 acres of land and water have been surveyed for invasive species.
  • More than 44,000 acres have been treated for invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants.
  • Through direct contact, including face-to-face interactions at boat washes, workshops, trainings and other events, 257,000 people have been reached with information about invasive species.
  • An additional 35 million people were reached through grantees’ “passive impression” efforts, including mail, newspapers, social media and handouts.

Highlights of the 2021 program are available in the Michigan Invasive Species Program Annual Report, which includes program-funded projects.

Nearly $6 million requested

The program began accepting grant applications for this funding cycle in September 2021. A total of 43 applications were received, requesting approximately $5.8 million in support. Grant applicants were asked to commit to providing at least 10% of the total project cost in the form of a local match.

The full list of grant recipients, project descriptions and award amounts is available on the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program website at Michigan.gov/MISGP.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; and Natural Resources.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions and photo credit information follow:

Wash: A portable boat wash operating at Lake Ovid in Clinton County. Photo courtesy of EGLE.

Cattails: Volunteers assist in removing invasive cattails and European frog-bit from the Duck Park shoreline in Alpena. Photo courtesy of Chris Engle, Huron Pines./
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Whitmer Proclaims March 2022 as Women’s History Month 

by | Mar 1, 2022 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Proclaims March 2022 as Women’s History Month

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today proclaimed March 2022 as Women’s History Month to honor women’s contributions in Michigan history.

 

“This month, we look to our past and honor those who secured footholds in the halls of power, shattered glass ceilings, and broke down doors to opportunity,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Each and every day, women across Michigan step up in incredible ways to get things done. But these are tough times, especially for women. That’s why we must work together, Democrats and Republicans, to create better opportunities for women and an economy that supports them and their families. I’m proud of what women in Michigan have accomplished, especially to strengthen our economy, and I’ll keep working with anyone to create even more progress for women.”

 

“We are honored to join with Governor Whitmer to celebrate her Administration’s investments in programs and services that remove barriers and promote access to opportunities for all of Michigan’s women to participate in our workforce, our communities and our families as our full and authentic selves,” said Muna Jondy, Chair of the Michigan Women’s Commission. “The Michigan Women’s Commission is committed to helping connect women to these resources and continuing to work with the Governor to further our recovery and advancement.

 

“As a medical professional, a mother, and a woman in Michigan, I am proud to work alongside Governor Whitmer to celebrate our frontliners and caregivers, reduce health care disparities, improve diversity and inclusion in all sectors, and amplify the physical, mental and economic recovery of Michigan’s women and our families as we transition from the pandemic to a new normal,” said Dr. Sabala Mandava Rao, Vice Chair of the Michigan Women’s Commission.

 

Governor Whitmer has centered Michigan’s women and families by pursuing policies that make a difference in their lives. The Governor will continue finding ways to deliver meaningful change that makes a difference in the lives of women and families.

 

Some of Governor Whitmer’s accomplishments include: 

 

BUILDING ECONOMIC SECURITY

  • Signed an Executive Directive to require equal pay for equal work in Michigan.
  • Signed a package of bills to repeal the tax on essential menstrual products, including tampons, driving down costs and saving families from paying taxes on up to $4,800 of spending over the course of a lifetime.
  • Directed the Michigan Women’s Commission to focus on building greater economic security for women and achieving gender equity.
  • Awarded grants to community-based organizations to help women workers understand and exercise their rights and benefits in the workplace.

 

FOCUSING ON WOMEN’S HEALTH

  • Invested in Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, addressing disproportionate racial impacts of maternal and infant mortality and ensuring moms have the support they need for healthy pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum care.
  • Extended Healthy Michigan to nearly 900,000 people and suspended the Medicaid work requirement that created barriers to coverage.
  • Joined by the House Democratic caucus, called on the legislature to pass the Michigan Reproductive Health Act to guarantee individuals are free to make independent decisions about their own reproductive health. The legislation also includes a repeal of the state’s 1931 abortion ban law, which hasn’t been enforced since the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade.
  • Established a policy that will guarantee critical medical resources and support to Department of Corrections’ pregnant and post-partum prisoners and their newborns.

 

ENSURING REPRESENTATION IN STATE GOVERNMENT

  • Governor Whitmer’s executive office has consistently employed 70% women with women in most leadership roles. Governor Whitmer’s cabinet is over 50% female.
  • Appointed more than 940 women to boards, commissions, and full-time positions. 45% of Whitmer appointees are women and 60% of those are women or people of color.

 

To view the full proclamation, click here