Whitmer & SK Siltron Bring Semiconductor Supply to Michigan

by orionontv | Sep 1, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2022

Gov. Whitmer & SK Siltron Bring Semiconductor Supply Chain to Michigan with New Bay City Facility

$300 million investment secured by Governor Whitmer will ensure future of semiconductors is made in Michigan, strengthen high-tech manufacturing, and reduce shortages and delays of critical products

BAY CITY, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined business, state, and local officials today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron’s new facility in Bay City. Michigan was selected for this $300 million investment over several other states, and the facility will bring supply chains home and reduce shortages and delays. The governor fought to secure this investment, which will create up to 150 good-paying jobs in the area and build on Michigan’s leadership role in the high-tech semiconductor supply chain.

“SK Siltron’s commitment to Michigan will help us bring the semiconductor supply chain home, cut down shortages and delays, and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders in Bay City,” said Governor Whitmer. “The products SK Siltron manufactures are the building blocks of countless products and industries: electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, and so much more—we cannot let China dominate this market. I am proud that Michigan was selected for this $300 million investment over several other states, proving that we have the skilled workforce, growing economy, and strong business-friendly environment conducive to attract projects from one of the world’s most innovative companies. I will work with anyone to keep bringing supply chains home, build on our high-tech manufacturing leadership, and create opportunity for Michiganders in every region.”

“SK Siltron CSS is thrilled to expand our presence in Michigan and reinforce our commitment to the entire Bay City community, while creating high-paying jobs and new investment opportunities,” said Jianwei Dong, Chief Executive Officer of SK Siltron CSS. “The exceptional people of Bay City and our strong local partners are the reason we were able to expand so aggressively in the area. The support we have received is truly unmatched. This significant investment in Bay City will further boost the confidence levels of not only our customers, but also the entire electrical vehicle value chain to accelerate the pace of EV adoption.”

“This new manufacturing facility will create good-paying jobs in mid-Michigan and boost American manufacturing,” said Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05). “With new laws like the CHIPS and Science Act, we’re bringing back manufacturing jobs to Michigan, fixing supply chains and helping to lower costs for Michigan families. Making wafers and semiconductors here in Michigan will decrease our reliance on foreign-made goods and support good-paying jobs. Michigan has the best workers in the world, and I applaud SK Siltron for expanding their commitment to our community.”

“SK Siltron’s high-profile commitment underscores the strength of our state’s high-tech manufacturing workforce and represents a critical win as we continue to attract long-term investments from semiconductor companies from around the world,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We are grateful to SK Siltron and for the leadership and support of Gov. Whitmer, our legislative partners and our partners at Bay Future, Inc. in securing this impactful project in Bay County. Today’s ribbon cutting is delivering on Team Michigan’s commitment that Michigan’s economic recovery is experienced by all 10 million plus of our friends and neighbors.”

SK Siltron CSS Background

SK Siltron CSS, headquartered in Auburn, Mich. (Bay County), announced plans in August 2021 to expand production of much-needed silicon carbide wafers, considered the future of the industry because of their ability to efficiently transfer energy. The company acquired and rehabilitated a facility in Monitor Township, near Bay City, to support its growth.

The project is expected to result in the creation of up to 150 jobs and was supported by a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over sites in Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas for its talent and proximity to automakers.

The project will result in high-wage jobs in high-tech manufacturing ranging from semi-skilled operators to engineers, and will continue to strengthen Michigan’s automotive, mobility and advanced manufacturing industries. The semiconductor industry already contributes $4.6 billion in total gross regional project for the state of Michigan, with Michigan among the top states in the nation for semiconductor manufacturing. Adding the new jobs and this significant investment by SK Siltron CSS in Michigan solidifies the company’s presence and creates a stronger path toward future investment here in the state.

The demand for power semiconductors is rapidly increasing as automakers enter the electric vehicle market and telecommunication companies expand 5G capabilities. SK Siltron CSS manufactures a specialty wafer made of silicon carbide (SiC) that can be used in electric vehicles. SiC wafers are more efficient at handling high powers and conducting heat than normal silicon. When used in EV system components, this characteristic can allow a more efficient transfer of electricity from the battery to the motor, increasing the driving range of an EV by 5 to 10 percent.

Michigan Competes for Semiconductors

In the past year, Michigan has secured bold investments in semiconductor and polysilicon manufacturing. Bringing this critical chain home, from China to Michigan, will cut down on costly productions delays, make businesses more efficient, and ultimately pass savings on to consumers.

Hemlock Semiconductor, a leading provider of high-purity polysilicon products for the electronic and solar power industries, onboarded over 400 full-time employees in Hemlock.
KLA, a global semiconductor firm, opened their headquarters in Ann Arbor creating 600 good-paying jobs.
Wacker, a chemical and polysilicon firm, opened a cutting-edge innovation center in Ann Arbor creating 300 good-paying jobs.
SK Siltron, a semiconductor wafer manufacturer, announced a new facility near Bay City, creating 150 good-paying jobs.
Calumet Electronics, one of a few American manufacturers producing organic substrate components for microelectronics, announced an expansion creating 80 jobs in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Creating Opportunity in Bay City

“Bay County has played an acclaimed and key role in the storied history of the automotive industry in the state of Michigan. This significant investment and commitment by SK Siltron CSS reinforces that legacy and ensures that our community and state will continue to be at the forefront of mobility, technology, and ingenuity, now and well into the future,” said Trevor Keyes, President and CEO, Bay Future, Inc. “SK Siltron CSS is a world class, high technology, company that could have chosen to invest anywhere in the world, and chose Bay County, Michigan. We are appreciative that they decided to choose to invest here and are thankful to all of those who assisted in making this project a reality.”

SK Siltron CSS will work with local partners to train workers, focusing on critical initiatives to reskill and upskill workers for the sustained growth of the region. Specifically, SK Siltron CSS is proud to partner with Delta College through the Michigan New Jobs Training Program to support training in the skills needed for success in SiC wafer manufacturing.

Working closely with Delta College, SK Siltron CSS is developing specific content to support the skills needed for employment while demonstrating its commitment to helping prepare Michigan workers for careers in advanced manufacturing. Moreover, by making these opportunities available to employees at all levels, SK Siltron CSS is committed to advancing the careers of current employees and supporting their professional development.

Governor Whitmer’s CHIPS and Science Act Executive Directive

The CHIPS and Science Act will fund $52 billion in incentives to boost domestic semiconductor production and research, $2 billion of which would be dedicated to incentivizing production of the “mature node” semiconductors used by automakers and parts suppliers. Mature node chips are also used in medical devices, agricultural machinery like farm tractors and combines, as well as radiation-proof chips required by our national defense industrial base.

In early August, Governor Whitmer signed an executive directive instructing state departments and agencies to leverage incoming resources from the CHIPS and Science Act as effectively and efficiently as possible. The directive furthers collaboration with the MEDC to continue attracting long-term, sustainable investments from semiconductor companies around the world. Additionally, it instructs departments and agencies to identify opportunities for workforce development geared towards the needs of the semiconductor industry, including adapting existing programs, collaborating with higher education institutions, and providing targeted education and training with additional federal resources. Finally, it urges efficient approval of any permits, applications, or requests from the state to avoid duplication or delay.

The directive will help increase domestic chip production near automakers and spur innovation, reduce inefficiencies, and avoid costly delays. By securing a robust semiconductor supply chain—anchored by SK Siltron CSS, Hemlock Semiconductor, KLA, and Calumet Electronics—Michigan will keep attracting long-term, sustainable investments from companies around the world and bring supply chain home.

To learn more about how Michigan is prepared to play an even bigger role within the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, go to https://www.michiganbusiness.org/semiconductor/

CHIPS and Science Act Opportunity for Michigan

The CHIPS and Science Act provides a new, powerful tool in Michigan’s economic development toolbox. Increasing domestic chip production near automakers and other manufacturers will spur innovation, reduce inefficiencies, and avoid costly delays, helping Michigan attract long-term, sustainable investments from companies around the world.

Late last year, the Michigan Legislature, businesses, labor, and utilities worked with Governor Whitmer to pass bipartisan economic development legislation that helped Michigan land a $7 billion investment from GM creating and retaining 5,000 good-paying jobs, and earlier this year, Ford invested $2 billion creating 3,200 jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act paves the way for more transformational projects that will invest billions into our communities and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.

Gov. Whitmer speaks at podium during the ribbon cutting and tour event

Gov. Whitmer at ribbon cutting of semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron’s new facility in Bay City

Gov. Whitmer tours facility

PASSED: Bill to lower costs for Michiganders

by orionontv | Sep 1, 2022 | Regional News

Hi there,

I wanted to give you an update on a bill Congress recently passed – the Inflation Reduction Act, and what it might mean for you now and into the future.

I voted for this bill for one simple reason: it’s going to save Michiganders money. It’s going to ease the burden on working families by lowering the price of their prescription drugs and cutting the cost of their energy bills – without increasing national deficit – while fighting climate change and extreme weather, and creating millions of good American jobs.

We’ve all seen the effects of inflation at the pump and at the grocery store, and I’ve heard from countless folks here in our district about how difficult it has been to make ends meet. So when I was considering my vote, my top priority was lowering people’s everyday costs.

First, I want to talk about the health care provisions in the bill. I’ve seen firsthand the financial toll that dealing with medical care can bring, so I’m really excited about the difference this legislation will make for seniors and families. I’ve been working on reducing prescription drug costs throughout my time in Congress, and I can’t say enough about how big these reforms will be.

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower medical costs by:

Capping the monthly cost of insulin for those on Medicare at $35, starting in January 2023;*
Capping the total out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs for people over 65 at $2,000 per year, starting in 2025;*
Letting Medicare negotiate drug prices and use its bargaining power to give seniors lower prices at the pharmacy counter;
Keeping premiums low for Michiganders who buy their insurance through the ACA marketplace.

And it doesn’t end with medical expenses. By taking advantage of new energy-efficiency incentives, folks can also lower their energy bills.

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower personal energy costs by:

Providing rebates on energy efficient appliances and home weatherization;
Issuing tax credits for efficient heating and cooling;
Subsidizing purchases of new electric vehicles by up to $7,500, and used electric vehicles by up to $4,000.*

In addition to making it cheaper for Michiganders to switch to cleaner sources of energy, the legislation also makes a generational investment in the entire green economy, which is estimated to lower U.S. carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.* This will go a long way towards fighting climate change, including extreme weather like the floods that have clobbered Michigan communities these past couple of years.

It also means that the U.S. will be more energy independent, so things halfway across the world – like a war in Ukraine – won’t mean a significant spike in gas prices back home in Michigan, and oil producers like Saudi Arabia won’t have as much leverage over our economy.

And on top of all that, the bill will boost American battery and electric vehicle manufacturing, which will strengthen Michigan’s economy and make sure that the U.S. – not China – is leading the way in cutting edge technology.

The bill also:

Creates incentives to boost production of American-made solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries
Funds new clean energy programs, like hydrogen, nuclear, and other renewables

I know some folks reading this are thinking, “that sounds great, but how are we going to pay for it all?” Well, I’ve got some good news for you: not only will the Inflation Reduction Act not add a cent to the national debt, it is scheduled to actually decrease the deficit by hundreds of billions – more than any other piece of legislation in years.

The bill ramps up tax enforcement on corporate giants, so they can’t use expensive accountants to skirt their obligations, and by implementing a 15% minimum corporate tax rate on the 150 billion-dollar corporations in the U.S.* This was intended to make sure the most lucrative companies are paying their fair share. Additionally, allowing Medicare to negotiate for drug prices will let them get a better deal from big pharma companies, saving the federal government billions in drug costs over 10 years.

It’s taken a long time to get here, but by passing this bill, the government is finally making transformational changes that set big business and special interests aside and put American families front and center.

There’s a lot to cover in this bill, but I want to make sure that folks are hearing about what this legislation will do for them. So let me know below which issues are most important to you, and I’ll send you a follow up message with some more details. In the meantime, for more information, you can check out this fact sheet.

By completing this survey you agree to receive communications from our office

*Source: White House Fact Sheet

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin

Restrictions lifted to ease Labor Day holiday weekend travel

by orionontv | Sep 1, 2022 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS
September 1, 2022 See regional contact information below.

MDOT lifts traffic restrictions to ease
Labor Day holiday weekend travel

Safety benefits:
– MDOT is suspending work and lifting traffic restrictions wherever possible this holiday weekend (96 out of 162 projects) to ease congestion and increase safety.
– While work will be suspended on many projects over the weekend, there will still be numerous work zones where equipment and traffic configurations will remain.
– Remember to buckle up, stay alert and avoid distractions at all times when driving.

LANSING, Mich. – This Labor Day weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is removing lane restrictions on nearly 60 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 96 out of 162 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most MDOT work zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures.

Travelers are also reminded that, for safety and security, the Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic on Labor Day from 6:30 a.m. to noon during the Annual Bridge Walk. Southbound I-75 and US-2 traffic will be stopped at Exit 344 on the north side of the bridge; northbound I-75 traffic will be stopped at Exit 337 on the south end. For more information, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) website at www.MackinacBridge.org/Walk or call the MBA at 906-643-7600.

“This has been one of the busiest years in MDOT’s history with many much-needed projects finally happening thanks to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “We thank everyone for their patience during this very busy summer and remind all drivers that there will still be some lane restrictions in place statewide this weekend. For your safety, your family’s safety, and for road workers’ safety, slow down, stay alert and avoid distractions in all work zones. You’re depending on us to fix the roads and road workers are depending on your safe driving. Let’s make sure everyone makes it home each and every night.”

MDOT oversees I, M, and US routes and is responsible for nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, which carry more than 50 percent of all traffic and approximately 70 percent of commercial traffic in Michigan.

This list is current as of Sept. 1. For the most up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the Mi Drive website at www.Michigan.gov/Drive.

The following is a list of work zones that will remain active or have lane restrictions during Labor Day weekend. If necessary, detour routes will be posted at the project location.

Upper Peninsula

– I-75, Mackinac County, has one northbound lane open over the Pine River, north of M-134.

– M-28 in Munising, Alger County, has two lanes open between Commercial Street and Bay View Street with a traffic shift.

– M-64, Ontonagon County, has one lane open in alternating directions over the Floodwood River west of Ontonagon via temporary signals.

– M-94 in Manistique, Schoolcraft County, has a posted detour in place for eastbound and westbound traffic.

– US-2 in Bessemer, Gogebic County, has a posted detour in place for eastbound US-2 traffic.

– US-2, Gogebic County, has one lane open in alternating directions over Tenderfoot Creek via temporary signals west of Watersmeet.

– US-2, Gogebic County, has one lane open in alternating directions over the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon River via temporary signals west of Watersmeet.

– US-41 (College Avenue) in Houghton, Houghton County, has a posted detour in place for southbound US-41 traffic.

– US-41 in Marquette, Marquette County, has two through-lanes and a center left-turn lane open between Blemhuber Avenue and Furnace Street with a traffic shift.

– US-45, Ontonagon County, has one lane open in alternating directions over Roselawn Creek via temporary signals southeast of Ewen.

For more information, contact MDOT Superior Region Communications Representative Dan Weingarten at 906-250-4809. Follow the Superior Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_UP.

Northern Lower Peninsula

– I-75 in Mackinaw City, Emmet County, has the southbound ramp to US-23 (Exit 338) closed; local traffic is detoured to Jamet Street (Exit 339) to access city streets.

– M-55, Iosco and Ogemaw counties, will have one lane of alternating traffic with temporary traffic signals on the bridge over the Au Gres River.

– M-66, Charlevoix County, has through-traffic detoured between Lord Road and Lacroix Road via US-131, M-88 and US-31.

– US-31, Manistee County, has one lane open at M-22 with a temporary traffic signal. M-22 is closed between US-31 and Schoedel Road.

For more information, contact MDOT North Region Communications Representative James Lake at 906-250-0993. Follow the North Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_Traverse.

West Michigan

– I-96, Kent County, has one westbound lane open with a traffic shift between Whitneyville Avenue and 36th Street. The following ramps will be closed:

The westbound I-96 ramp to westbound M-6,
The eastbound M-6 ramp to westbound I-96, and
The 36th Street ramp to eastbound I-96.

– I-96, Kent County, has the eastbound ramp to southbound US-131 closed with a posted detour. The M-37 (Alpine Avenue) ramp to southbound US-131 is also closed.

– I-96, Muskegon County, has one lane open in each direction at Hile Road near US-31. The eastbound I-96 ramp to Hile Road is also closed.

– I-96, Muskegon County, has one lane open in each direction over Norris Creek near Fruitport.

– I-196, Allegan County, has one lane open in each direction over the Kalamazoo River between 130th Avenue and Old Allegan Road with a traffic shift.

– I-196, Kent County, has westbound lanes shifted at the I-196 Business Loop (Chicago Drive) interchange in Grandville. The eastbound I-196 ramp to Chicago Drive is closed, and the Chicago Drive ramp to westbound I-196 is also closed.

– I-196, Ottawa County, has a traffic shift with two westbound lanes and one eastbound lane open between Hudsonville and Zeeland.

– M-6, Kent County, has one eastbound lane open from Thornapple River Drive to I-96.

– M-37, Kent County, has the southbound lane closed and detoured between 15 Mile and 13 Mile roads.

– M-91, Montcalm County, is closed over the Flat River just north of Stanton Road.

– US-31, Allegan County, has the northbound lanes closed at I-196 with traffic detoured to Adams Street (Exit 52). The southbound US-31 ramp to Washington Avenue/Blue Star Highway is closed.

For more information, contact MDOT Grand Region Communications Representative John Richard at 616-262-1565. Follow the Grand Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_West.

Southwest Michigan

– I-69, Calhoun County, has one lane open in each direction with a traffic shift from I-94 to Ainger Road in Eaton County.

– I-69, Calhoun County, has one lane open in each direction between M-60 and Marshall Drive.

– I-94, Berrien County, has two lanes open in each direction with a traffic shift from I-196 to Puetz Road. The southbound I-196 ramp to eastbound I-94 is closed and detoured.

– I-94, Calhoun County, has two lanes open in each direction at I-69 with a traffic shift. The eastbound I-94 ramp to southbound I-69 and the southbound I-69 ramp to westbound I-94 are closed with detours posted.

– I-94, Kalamazoo County, has ramp closures at Portage Road and Sprinkle Road; Portage Road has one lane open in each direction with no left turns at Kilgore Road.

For more information, contact MDOT Southwest Region Communications Representative Nick Schirripa at 269-208-7829. Follow the Southwest Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_Southwest.

Central Michigan and Thumb

– I-69, Genesee County, will have two lanes open in each direction from Hammerberg Road to M-54. Ramps throughout the project limits, including at the I-69/I-475 interchange, are closed and detoured.

– I-69, Lapeer County, has one lane open in each direction between Lake Pleasant Road and Newark Road.

– M-21, Shiawassee County, is closed and detoured at Durand Road.

– M-46 (Holland Road), Saginaw and Tuscola counties, may be under flag control between Towerline and Saginaw roads through Friday, Sept. 2.

– M-90, Sanilac County, is closed over the Black River and detoured via Todd, Galbraith Line, and Wildcat roads.

– US-23 Connector, Arenac County, has the westbound lanes closed. Sagatoo Road is closed and detoured. US-23 through Standish has one lane open in each direction with a traffic shift.

For more information, contact MDOT Bay Region Communications Representative Jocelyn Garza at 989-245-7117. Follow the Bay Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_Bay.

Southern Michigan

– I-69, Clinton County, has the following restrictions:

The westbound I-69 ramp to westbound I-96 is closed.
The westbound I-69 ramp to Francis Road is closed.
The Airport Road ramp to westbound I-69 is closed.

– I-69, Eaton and Calhoun counties, has the following restrictions:

Northbound and southbound I-69 each have one lane closed at Cochran Road.
One lane of southbound I-69 is closed at M-50.
The M-50 ramp to northbound I-69 is closed.
The northbound I-69 ramp to Ainger Road is closed.
The M-78 ramp to northbound I-69 is closed.

– I-75, Monroe County, has one lane closed in each direction between Erie Road and Otter Creek Road.

– I-75, Monroe County, has the following restrictions:

I-75 has one lane closed in each direction at Swan Creek Road/Newport Road.
The northbound I-75 exit and entrance ramps at Swan Creek Road/Newport Road (Exit 21) are closed.
Swan Creek Road/Newport Road has one lane open in each direction at I-75.
Nadeau Road is closed at I-75.

– I-94, Jackson County, has the following restrictions:

The Elm Street ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 are closed.
The eastbound I-94 ramp to Elm Street is closed.

– I-96 Business Loop, Ingham County, has one lane open in each direction between Delta Street and Mildred Street.

– I-496 in Lansing, Ingham County, has the following restrictions:

I-496 is closed in each direction between M-99 and Grand Avenue. Traffic is detoured onto the adjacent service drives (St. Joseph and Malcolm X streets).
The Lansing Road ramp to eastbound I-496 is closed.
The westbound I-496 ramp to Main Street is closed.
Hungerford Street is closed over I-496.
Grand Avenue is closed over I-496.
Capitol Avenue is closed over I-496.

– M-43 (Grand River Avenue), Ingham County, has one lane closed in each direction between Park Lake Road and Oak Point Court. Okemos Road is closed at M-43.

– M-50 (Brooklyn Road), has the ramps to northbound US-127 and Oaklane Road closed.

– US-12 Business Route (BR)/M-17 in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, has the following restrictions:

US-12 BR will have one lane open in each direction over I-94.
The southbound US-12 BR ramp to eastbound I-94 is closed.
The northbound US-12 BR ramp to westbound I-94 is closed.

– US-24, Monroe County, has one lane closed in each direction with a traffic shift from Townsquare Boulevard to Newburg Road.

– US-127, Ingham County, has one lane closed in each direction from the Jackson County line to M-36.

– US-127, Jackson County, has one lane closed in each direction between south of M-50 (Brooklyn Road) and south of South Street.

– US-127, Jackson County, will have the northbound ramp to westbound I-94 closed.

For more information, contact MDOT University Region Communications Representative Aaron Jenkins at 517-243-9075. Follow the University Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_LanJxn and www.twitter.com/MDOT_A2.

Metro Detroit

Macomb County

– M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) has two lanes open in each direction between 12 Mile and 14 Mile roads; the eastbound I-94 ramp to M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) is closed.

– M-59 has two lanes open in each direction between M-97 (Groesbeck Highway) and I-94. The eastbound I-94 ramps to eastbound and westbound M-59 are closed, as well as the westbound M-59 ramp to westbound I-94.

– M-97 (Groesbeck Highway) has the right northbound lane closed from 14 Mile to 15 Mile roads.

Oakland County

– I-75 has the following restrictions:

I-75 has two lanes open in each direction between I-696 and 14 Mile Road.
The eastbound and westbound I-696 ramps to northbound I-75 are closed.
The northbound I-75 exit ramps to 11 Mile and 12 Mile roads are closed.
The southbound I-75 exit ramp to 12 Mile Road is closed.

– I-75 has the northbound exit ramp to University Drive closed; the Chrysler Drive entrance ramp to northbound I-75 is closed.

– I-96 has the following restrictions:

I-96 has two lanes open in each direction between I-275 and Kent Lake Road.
The eastbound I-96 exit ramps to Milford and Wixom roads are closed.
The Kent Lake Road and Milford Road entrance ramps to eastbound I-96 are closed.

Wayne County

– I-75 has two northbound lanes open at Dix Highway.

– I-75 has three northbound lanes open from Springwells to Clark streets and three southbound lanes open from Vernor Avenue to Junction Street.

– I-75/M-8 (Davison Freeway) interchange has the following restrictions:

I-75 has two lanes open in each direction between Clay Street and Caniff Avenue.
M-8 has two lanes open in each direction between John R and Goddard roads.
The northbound and southbound I-75 ramps to eastbound M-8 are closed.

– I-94/M-10 (Lodge Freeway) interchange will have the following restrictions:

The northbound M-10 ramp to westbound I-94 is closed.
The westbound I-94 ramps to northbound and southbound M-10 are closed.

– I-96 has the eastbound and westbound ramps to eastbound I-94 closed.

– I-275 has the following restrictions:

I-275 has two lanes open in each direction between I-94 and M-14/I-96.
The northbound I-275 ramp to westbound M-14 is closed.
The westbound Ann Arbor Road, westbound Ford Road, and westbound Michigan Avenue ramps to southbound I-275 ramps are closed.
The I-275 exit ramp to Ecorse Road is closed.
The westbound M-14 ramp to southbound I-275 is closed.
The eastbound M-14 ramps to northbound and southbound I-275 are closed.

– M-1 (Woodward Avenue) has two northbound lanes open at State Fair Street and two southbound lanes open at Carmel Street.

– M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) has all southbound lanes closed from St. Antoine to Brush streets.

– US-12 (Michigan Avenue) has two lanes open in each direction between Oakwood Boulevard and Greenfield Road. The westbound US-12 ramp to southbound M-39 is closed.

– US-24 (Telegraph Road) has two lanes open in each direction between I-94 and US-12.

For more information, contact MDOT Metro Region Communications Representative Diane Cross at 248-752-0336. Follow the Metro Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_MetroDet.

$3.6 million in grants to target invasive species in Michigan

by orionontv | Sep 1, 2022 | Recreation

Sept. 1, 2022

Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814 or Erin Campbell, 269-300-9698

$3.6 million in grants available to target invasive species in Michigan

Proposals accepted through Nov. 1

Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the 2022 funding cycle, with an anticipated $3.6 million available to applicants.

2022 MISGP handbook cover featuring a cattail marsh at sunset, with insert photos of a spotted lanternfly, mile-a-minute weed and parrot feather.

The program – a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development – is part of a statewide initiative launched in 2014 to help prevent, detect and control invasive species in Michigan.

An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan’s environment, economy or human health.

“Michigan is home to some truly world-class outdoor recreation opportunities,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Unchecked, invasive species pose serious threats to those resources and the outdoor economy. Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is a valuable tool that allows us to work with community partners around the state to better fight and contain these land and water pests.”

Program handbook, webinar

The 2022 grant program handbook outlines program priorities and application guidelines. Applicants also can take advantage of a webinar Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 9 a.m., to learn more about general grant information, the application process and 2022 priorities.

Both the handbook and webinar registration information are available at Michigan.gov/MISGP. A recorded version of the webinar will be available on this webpage after Sept. 7.

2022 priorities

The program supports projects that will prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species by engaging the public in prevention practices and reducing the risk of moving invasive species into high-risk areas.

A woman dressed in outdoor winter gear is placing a small tag on the trunk of a hemlock tree on a snowy cliff above Lake Michigan.

Proposals aiding early detection and response efforts for species on Michigan’s Watch List and proposals increasing regional or statewide response preparedness for new or emerging invasive species are also requested.

To manage invasive species already established in Michigan, the program targets proposals for novel and efficient control techniques and projects that improve detection and control methods through increased understanding of species biology and ecology.

Proposals to develop or improve tools, such as risk assessments and prioritization models, to inform management and control decisions also are encouraged.

Support is offered to cooperative invasive species management areas, or CISMAs, across the state to implement strategic plans for outreach, detection and control of regional priority species.

Program progress

The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program supports projects throughout the state that prevent, detect, manage and eradicate invasive species on the ground and in the water. Total program funding is set by the Legislature and the governor during the annual budget cycle.

A group of people in waders in a semi-circle in a small water body. A phragmites-covered shoreline is in the foreground.

In the last eight years, the program has awarded over $29 million to 203 projects, resulting in management of invasive species including hemlock woolly adelgid insects and European frog-bit and invasive swallowwort plants. Because of this program, more than 548,000 acres of land and water have been surveyed and more than 44,000 acres have been treated for invasive species.

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

Regional CISMAs operate in all of Michigan’s 83 counties, assisting the public in identifying and managing invasive species. Contact information for individual CISMAs can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives in the Take Action section.

Important program dates and information

Local, state, federal and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations and universities may apply for funding to support invasive species projects in Michigan. Full project proposals are due Nov.1. Award announcement is anticipated in March 2023.

Grant requests for general projects can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $400,000. CISMAs can request up to $60,000 for annual implementation of prevention, detection and control activities and up to $40,000 for specific survey and treatment projects. Applicants must commit to providing a minimum of 10 percent (in the form of a local match) of the total project cost.

Competitive applications will outline clear objectives, propose significant ecological benefits, demonstrate diverse collaboration and show strong community support.

All applications must be submitted through the MiGrants online system. Applicants can access the system at MiGrants.Intelligrants.com or follow the link at Michigan.gov/MISGP.

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

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

Handbook cover: The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program is accepting applications from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1, 2022.

HWA inspect: A cooperative invasive species management area technician tags a hemlock tree during a winter hemlock woolly adelgid survey.

CISMA training: Cooperative invasive species management area staff learn how to identify and map aquatic invasive species./

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