by Becky Andrus | Jun 16, 2022 | Transportation
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June 15, 2022 James Lake
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200 millionth vehicle crosses the Mackinac Bridge
Fast facts:
– At 6:18 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the Dalman family of Tawas City drove the 200 millionth vehicle across the Mackinac Bridge since its opening on Nov. 1, 1957.
– On Sept. 6, 2009, Richard Snyder of Clare, Michigan, drove the 150 millionth vehicle across the bridge.
ST. IGNACE, Mich. – It was a chance occurrence, but it still makes for a cool story.
After driving the 200 millionth vehicle across the Mackinac Bridge at 6:18 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, the Dalman family of Tawas City now has the bragging rights and the sole claim to this milestone. Kurt Dalman was driving, with passengers Anna Dalman, and their children, Seth and Teresa.
“We’re headed to Pictured Rocks. This will be the kids’ first big hike,” Anna Dalman said. “We were very surprised. We had no idea (this milestone was coming up).”
Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason, member Caroline Cheeseman, and MBA staff met the Dalmans outside on the toll plaza after they drove their 2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid through the booths, paying $4 cash in the northbound direction. They presented the family a framed print of the Mackinac Bridge, while Amy Millard, executive director of the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, and Lora Brown, executive director of the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau, gave them a gift basket full of local items.
“It’s our customers who pay the tolls that support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge, so it’s only right that we recognize this milestone in the bridge’s 65-year history,” Gleason said on the occasion. “The bridge has been a critical connection for our state for more than six decades now, but it’s remarkable to know that so many vehicles, and countless more people, have crossed in that time.”
On Sept. 6, 2009, Richard Snyder of Clare, Michigan, drove the 150 millionth vehicle across the bridge.
Construction on the Mackinac Bridge began in May 1954 and the completed structure was opened to traffic on Nov. 1, 1957. The MBA’s sole source of funding is from tolls and fees collected, with all revenue used to maintain, operate and protect the bridge. More information about the bridge can be found at www.MackinacBridge.org.
Photo caption information:
Mackinac Bridge 200 millionth vehicle.jpg – The Dalman family of Tawas City, far right, received a local gift basket and a framed print of the Mackinac Bridge after they drove the 200 millionth vehicle across the bridge. Left to right: MBA Chief Bridge Engineer Julie Neph; Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Millard; St. Ignace Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lora Brown; MBA Member Caroline Cheeseman; MBA Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason; Seth Dalman; Anna Dalman; Teresa Dalman; and Kurt Dalman.
by Becky Andrus | Jun 15, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Announces Investment to Help Build 529 Affordable Apartments, Townhomes, and Housing Units Across Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the state is moving forward with a plan to invest $13 million to build 529 affordable apartments, townhomes, and housing units to help increase the amount of affordable housing options across the state amidst a housing shortage, which will help lower costs for Michiganders. The projects are located in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Midland, Nashville, Traverse City, and Wyoming. The investment from these projects is expected to add approximately $151 million to the state’s economy and create 1,000 jobs.
“Michigan should always be a place where everyone can afford to live, work, and raise a family. As rent and home prices increase across the country, we are moving forward with an aggressive plan here in Michigan to build more quality affordable housing. This will help put money back in people’s pockets, and give them a place to call home,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have built nearly 12,000 affordable, attainable housing units, and I look forward to much more progress. Under the Building Michigan Together plan that I signed into law in April, we’re charging forward with an ambitious goal of creating 75,000 new or rehabilitated housing units within the next five years. When Michiganders have a safe place to call home, it serves as a launchpad for economic opportunity and a strong foundation for people to pursue their potential. Together, we can make necessary investments to create equitable pathways to attainable housing for all Michiganders.”
Through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, developers that receive awards can claim credits against their tax liability annually for up to 10 years – an important initiative that helps incentivize investments in affordable housing in local communities across the state. This current round of funding will enable the creation or preservation of 561 total units including market rate apartments.
“We know that creating affordable housing benefits everyone in the state by stimulating local economic growth, but it also creates opportunities for Michiganders to have equitable access to safe, quality, affordable housing for their families, making for stable and secure living and upward mobility,” said Chad Benson, MSHDA rental development director.
A full list of development projects includes:
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Cinnaire Solutions Corp. & Woodbridge Neighborhood Development Corp.
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Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan & Cinnaire Solutions
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Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corp
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CHN Housing Partners & Detroit Blight Busters
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Boston Square Together II
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Brinshore Development LLC & Amplify GR
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Woda Cooper Development, Inc.
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MVAH Development LLC & Jackson Housing Commission
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Dogwood Community Development
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Traverse City Housing Commission, Cove Investments LLC & Ethos Development Partners
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Union Suites at Michael II
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Union Suites Development LLC & Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids
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Building Michigan Together Plan Housing Investments
Governor Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan will fund the construction of thousands of affordable, attainable housing units to give thousands of working families a stable foundation to pursue their potential. It will also help over 100,000 families stay in their homes with mortgage and rental assistance and finance energy-efficient home repairs, lowering costs for Michiganders.
Governor Whitmer’s Housing Investments
Since taking office, the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration has made several investments to help families find a place to call home. The administration helped thousands of families buy homes with the Down Payment Assistance Program and MI Home Loan Mortgage Program, and provided services through the Housing Education Program to encourage homeownership and assist homeowners with the transition to new housing.
The governor also proposed funding for home repair and plumbing improvements for low-income households and encouraged housing developers to meet higher levels of sustainability commitments and energy efficiency by shifting construction of new units near amenities essential to healthy living like parks, grocery stores, and more.
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by Becky Andrus | Jun 15, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Kicks Off Grand Opening of Michigan Regional Carpenters and Millwrights’ State-of-the-Art Training Center in Detroit
DETROIT, Mich. – Today, Governor Whitmer joined labor leaders and local elected officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights’ (MRCC) new training center in northwest Detroit. The 145,000 square-foot training center is home to state-of-the-art classrooms, training areas, and some of the most advanced methods and tools in the industry. The new center will train up to 1,500 students a year and play a pivotal role in reaching the governor’s Sixty by 30 goal to have 60% of working-age Michiganders earn a skills certificate or postsecondary degree by 2030.
“As a proud, pro-union governor to my core, I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of the MRCC’s state-of-the-art center in Detroit that will train up to 1,500 Michiganders and help them land good-paying, high-skill union jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders rely on carpenters, millwrights, floor layers, piledrivers, and all our skilled trades to build the infrastructure that powers Michigan’s economy. Their hard work is the reason that since I took office through the end of this year, we will fix over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, build or refurbish nearly 12,000 affordable housing units, and replace tens of thousands of lead service lines. With their partnership, I have acted to center working people in all the work that we do. Together, we reinstated prevailing wage, cracked down on payroll fraud, expanded opportunities for people to land good-paying union jobs, and continued delivering on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families. When working families succeed, we all succeed. Let’s keep getting things done together that make a difference in their lives.”
“The opening of this state-of-the-art training center right here in Detroit shows the commitment of carpenters and millwrights to preparing the best construction professionals and creating good-paying Michigan jobs,” said MRCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Tom Lutz. “This new training center – built without any taxpayer dollars – represents a gateway to a promising future for countless men and women willing to learn and work hard in a rewarding, good-paying career. By locating our training center in a Detroit neighborhood, carpenters and millwrights are committed to supporting our communities, opening doors of opportunities for everyone, and doing our part to move Michigan forward.”
The sprawling facility houses classrooms and training areas for hands-on experience and real-world simulations. Students will study and train in an apprenticeship program designed and taught by the carpenters and millwrights union, which currently has more than 14,000 members across Michigan. Enrollment in the apprenticeship program is free, and students incur no debt for their education. Those who join MRCC’s apprenticeships also get good wages, healthcare, and pension benefits while they learn. The center will train up to 1,500 students a year.
The MRCC is a partner in Detroit’s job creation program and has pledged to triple the number of Detroit residents in the union’s apprenticeship program by ensuring that 25 percent of all incoming first-year apprentices are Detroit residents over the next decade. MRCC and its contractor partners fund all aspects of the apprenticeship program, including the construction of the new center.
“Thanks to this brand-new cutting-edge training center, the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights is investing in Michigan workers, Michigan jobs, and Michigan’s future,” said Secretary of Labor Walsh. “The leadership of the carpenters and millwrights will help the United States and the State of Michigan continue to build the critical infrastructure we need to be competitive in a global economy. This new training center showcases the fact that good-paying jobs and rewarding careers are available right out of high school to those who are willing to learn, train and work hard. America needs well-trained, well-educated skilled trades professionals today and for years to come, and the carpenters and millwrights’ training center is the pipeline to good-paying and rewarding careers in construction that will always be in demand.”
“Skilled trades careers are a brotherhood and sisterhood of professionals who strive to be the best, look out for each other and rebuild America, Michigan and our neighborhoods from the inside out,” Doug McCarren, General President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters said. “Carpenters and millwrights represent the future, and this training center will help thousands of residents in Detroit and beyond get access to the best training around so they can be part of a brighter future.”
“Businesses and companies in the construction industry are looking for the best trained, best educated, best-prepared workers around, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights’ new training center in Detroit is an exciting opportunity for men and women to get that education and training for good-paying careers,” said Donna Pardonnet, executive director of the Architectural Contractors Trade Association of Michigan. “Construction jobs are in high demand and an apprenticeship at this new training center is a terrific way for young people to start a great career and get paid while they learn.”
Highly trained skilled trades professionals are in high demand in Michigan, and experts anticipate the current shortage of such workers to continue well into the next decade. Skilled trades professionals such as carpenters and millwrights account for more than 500,000 jobs in Michigan.
Investing in Michigan’s Workforce
Governor Whitmer is dedicated to helping Michiganders pursue their potential. Since she took office, she has worked across the aisle to establish critical workforce development programs and fund paths for workers to learn new skills and land good-paying jobs.
She established and funded Michigan Reconnect, a program that is providing tens of thousands of Michiganders tuition-free higher education or skills training that leads to a high-skill, good-paying job. Across three balanced, bipartisan budgets, she also funded and grew the number of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships offered in Michigan and set up and funded Futures for Frontliners to offers tens of thousands of Michiganders who served on the frontlines of the pandemic tuition-free paths to higher education.
All these efforts will help Michigan reach the Governor’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from 49% today to 60% by 2030. With this initiative, Michiganders will have greater access to the education and skills that create opportunities for better jobs and bigger paychecks.
Fighting for Working People
Governor Whitmer is dedicated to putting working people first through her actions. Her decision to reinstate prevailing wage for all state construction contracts ensures hard-working Michiganders can earn a decent standard of living, take care of their families, and have a secure retirement. Paying prevailing wage for state construction projects also guarantees taxpayers get a well-trained, skilled workforce to build safe, reliable infrastructure with the right mix and materials.
The governor also signed an executive directive cracking down on payroll fraud, ensuring that companies cannot misclassify their employees and deny them critical pay and benefits. She is proud to have appointed over 200 members of the labor community to state boards and commissions, ensuring their voices are at the table for key decisions.
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by Becky Andrus | Jun 15, 2022 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Invests $3 Million to Expand High-Speed Internet Access to 781 Homes and Businesses Across Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the state would invest an additional $3.3 million in funding to bring high-speed internet access to more residents, homes, and small businesses across the state. The funds, which are distributed under the Connecting Michigan Communities (CMIC) grant program, will go towards projects that will extend high-speed internet service to 781 unserved homes and business in Michigan.
“Access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet is critical for families, small businesses, and communities across Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “The funding in the Connecting Michigan Communities grant program helps us connect more Michiganders to high-speed internet that meets their needs and empowers them to succeed. I am also proud of the bipartisan broadband investments we secured in the Building Michigan Together Plan I signed earlier this year that will help us expand high-speed internet to even more families and small businesses so we can keep growing our economy.”
“With access to affordable, high-speed internet as our tool, we can connect Michiganders to opportunity,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We can uplift communities, grow our economy, and boost access to education and healthcare. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to expanding access to high-speed internet in Michigan through Michigan’s High-Speed Internet Office and recent Building Michigan Together plan investments, which have already connected tens of thousands of families and small businesses. Today, we are proud to announce further investments through the Connecting Michigan Communities grant program. These funds will make a difference for Manistee, St. Clair, and Menominee. We will continue working with anyone to connect Michigan families and small businesses, grow our economy, and create real change.”
With high-speed internet becoming a necessity in our educational, professional, and personal lives, the CMIC grant program was established to expand broadband service to unserved areas in Michigan and supports the mission of the new Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI). This is the fourth round of awards.
The $3.3 million grant funding was awarded to three projects across the state and will impact 781 locations. The overall economic benefits from these infrastructure initiatives are estimated to reach up to $1.4 million annually.
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AcenTek is proposing a fiber to the home project that will connect 57 locations in Manistee County with speeds up to 1/0.2 Gbps
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Duke Broadband is proposing a fiber to the home project that will connect 367 locations in St. Clair County with speeds up to 1/.1 Gbps
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Upper Peninsula Telephone
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Upper Peninsula Telephone is proposing a fiber to the home network that would connect 357 locations in Menominee County with speeds up to 1/1 Gbps
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The first round of CMIC grant funds were announced in October 2020, with $11.9 million awarded to 10 projects to expand high-speed internet to 14,205 homes and businesses. A second round of funding distributed $1 million to expand the program to an additional four projects in April 2021. Another $15.3 million was awarded to 20 new projects in June 2021, which expanded access to 6,729 residents and businesses. Overall, the total grant funds awarded so far will impact more than 23,000 locations in Michigan and generate annual economic benefits that could exceed $42 million.
All projects awarded funding have committed to working toward the governor’s plan to close Michigan’s digital divide by expanding broadband, driving down costs, and boosting digital literacy. The projects will provide training materials to residents and businesses in their proposed service area, while working with local community and anchor institutions and foundations to host events to promote e-learning, job, and workforce training.
Access to broadband and high-speed internet is vital to people’s ability to work, learn and carry out business. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more imperative than ever and building and strengthening broadband infrastructure throughout Michigan will be a driver of economic recovery efforts statewide.
A full list of the CMIC grant awards can be accessed on the CMIC website.
Governor Whitmer’s Action to Expand High-Speed Internet
Governor Whitmer believes every family and business in Michigan deserves access to a reliable, affordable high-speed internet connection that meets their needs. High-speed internet enables communities to develop and attract jobs and businesses. It expands economic opportunity for families, enhances educational experiences for students, and allows for remote access to key health care services.
- Set a state goal to provide 100% access to high-speed internet and 95% adoption by households during the next five years.
- Provided high-speed internet access to more than 18,000 homes and businesses, through the Connecting Michigan Communities Grant Program.
- Leveraged over $700 million in federal funding and signed the Building Michigan Together Plan that invested $249 million to connect more families and small businesses to fast, reliable high-speed internet that meets their needs.
- Established the Office of Rural Development to focus on growing rural economies including through collaborations with the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office to boost high-speed internet connectivity.
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by Becky Andrus | Jun 14, 2022 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Boosting Jobs, Supporting Michigan Tourism, Other Legislation
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed nine bipartisan bills into law. The governor signed House Bills 4232, 4527, 5258, 5386, 5555, 5875, 5983, 5984 and Senate Bill 821, bringing the total of bipartisan bills signed by Governor Whitmer to 849.
“Since I took office, I am proud to have signed over 849 bipartisan bills, and today we are adding to that total with a bill to help small businesses across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “While these bills continue our record of bipartisan collaboration, Michiganders are counting on us to continue growing Michigan’s economy, creating good-paying jobs, and lowering cost for working families who are facing rising prices at the grocery store and the gas pump. In addition to today’s bill, we have an opportunity to cut taxes for working families and seniors, send a $500 rebate to families across the state, and suspend the sales tax on gas to lower prices at the pump. Let’s work together to offer Michiganders real relief right now.”
House Bill 4232 helps small businesses fill labor shortages in restaurants by expanding the eligible workforce to allow 17-year-old waitstaff to sell and serve alcohol at restaurants and other businesses. The individual must have completed a server training program as required by the Liquor Control Commission. During the individual’s shift, the on-premises licensee is required to have supervisory personnel that is at least 18 years old and has also completed a server training program.
“Bars and restaurants throughout Michigan that have been struggling with employment issues applaud the governor for signing this bill into law,” said MLBA Executive Director Scott Ellis. “While this is a big win for our entire industry, I know our businesses in northern Michigan and other tourist areas will benefit tremendously from the signing of this bill.”
HB 4232 was sponsored by Rep. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, and a copy can be found here.
Expanding Business Opportunities
House Bills 5983 and 5984 allow the consumption of food and beverages in public swimming pools, and the service of alcohol in public swimming pools under certain circumstances. Together, the bills cut restrictions and create entrepreneurial opportunities that allow public pool operators to maximize business heading into a Pure Michigan summer.
“The Bavarian Inn Zehnder Family applauds Governor Whitmer and the Legislators for approving the swim up bar legislation,” said Michael Keller Zehnder, Bavarian Inn Lodge. “This will enable hospitality business operators the opportunity to provide a new experience for their guests which will boost the Michigan Tourism Industry”
“Offering unique experiences for families and visitors in a safe, well-regulated manner is an important goal as we look toward the future of Michigan’s hospitality industry,” said Rep. John Cherry, D-Flint. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to offer these new opportunities for economic expansion, giving a boost to mid-Michigan businesses.”
HB 5983 was sponsored by Rep. Rodney Wakeman, R-Frankenmuth, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5984 was sponsored by Rep. John Cherry, D-Flint, and a copy can be found here.
HB 4527 increases safety requirements on owners or operators of carnival or amusement rides. It also establishes sanctions for bad actors who violate safety provisions within the Carnival Amusement Act.
“These reforms have been in the works for several years, and I am glad these changes to make carnival rides safer across Michigan are getting signed into state law, said Rep. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell. “We are emphasizing safety and training to provide some peace of mind for people as they attend carnivals and fairs.”
HB 4527 was sponsored by Rep. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell and a copy can be found here.
HB 5875 extends the sunset date of a provision that limits a county’s maintenance of effort rate for Medicaid funded long-term care services. This will streamline Medicaid operations to save counties money.
HB 5875 was sponsored by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5258 amends the Michigan Election Law to change the timetable for filing, processing and distributing proof ballots for elections.
“HB 5258 saves taxpayer dollars while easing communication between clerks and candidates,” said State Representative Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth. “It’s a common sense solution that is a win for everyone.”
HB 5258 is sponsored by Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5555 helps ease the up-front unemployment insurance tax burden of seasonal small businesses of 100 or fewer employees by allowing first-quarter payments to be spread out throughout the year.
HB 5555 was sponsored by Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, and a copy can be found here.
SB 821 allows emergency authorities to purchase real or personal property under an installment purchase agreement and allows emergency authorities to issue bonds or notes.
“This legislation opens the door to offer a new and more cost-efficient option for cities, townships, and villages to equip their EMS authorities and provide care to area residents,” said State Senator Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “Installment purchase agreements have been available for other local entities to purchase real or personal property, and now emergency services will be able to take advantage of this more effective financing option.”
SB 821 was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5386 allows the option for township boards to allocate costs of private road improvements equally among the property owners benefiting from the maintenance or improvement of the road.
HB 5386 was sponsored by Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, and a copy can be found here.
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