MI Clean Water Grants to Help Six Communities

by Becky Andrus | Jul 19, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2022

Governor Whitmer Awards MI Clean Water Grants to Help Six Communities Protect and Improve Drinking Water, Upgrade Water Infrastructure

Final grants of first stage of governor’s plan awards six communities $5.5M supporting jobs and protecting waters

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded more than $5 million under the MI Clean Water Plan to help six communities improve drinking water systems and ensure clean and reliable drinking water for residents.

“The MI Clean Water Plan continues to make investments empowering communities to identify and replace lead water lines, clean up toxic contamination, expand sewer systems, address failing septic systems, and keep water affordable always,” said Governor Whitmer. “We have invested over $120 million under the MI Clean Water Plan into water infrastructure, and the Building Michigan Together Plan I signed earlier this year will invest nearly an additional $2 billion, ensuring that we can deliver clean drinking water to every Michigan family, school, and small business. I will work with anyone to build up Michigan’s water infrastructure and protect every Michigander’s right to clean, affordable drinking water.”

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) awarded Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants (DWI) to the following four communities:

City of Ann Arbor

$1.38 million for projects to facilitate overall drinking water system upgrades.

“The City of Ann Arbor is excited to receive a Clean Water Grant from the State of Michigan to support improvements to its raw water pump station”, said City Administrator Milton Dohoney. “This station was constructed in 1949, and this project will allow the city to replace aging infrastructure. Once complete, this project will improve water supply reliability for the City’s 125,000 customers.”

East Lansing – Meridian Water and Sewer Authority

$2 million for projects to facilitate overall drinking water system upgrades.

City of Owosso

$403,500 for projects to facilitate overall drinking water system upgrades.

Village of Shelby

$621,000 for projects to facilitate overall drinking water system upgrades.

In addition, Benton Charter Township received $690,000 in a Consolidation and Contamination Risk Reduction (C2R2) grant to remove or reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or other contaminants, as defined under state or federal drinking water regulations, or efforts to consolidate systems or connect private residential wells to a local municipal system.

“The MI Clean Water Grant means a lot to the residents and community people who use our services in the township, ensuring a healthy work and living environment for all who drink or cook with our water,” said Township Supervisor Cathy Yates. “This is a priority for our township: to ensure all within the boundaries have access to clean and safe water.”

The City of Romulus received $456,300 in a Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant to help drinking water suppliers develop and update asset management plans, and/or create a process to identify and work toward the removal of hazardous materials that are part of the distribution system, such as lead service lines.

MI Clean Water Plan

Governor Whitmer’s bipartisan 2020 MI Clean Water Plan directed $102.1 million in federal funds for lead service line replacement and $105 million for general fund programs that address PFAS or other contaminants, planning and rate studies, asset management plan development, and lead service line identification. To date, the plan has invested a total of $124 million:

$56.4 million for 19 municipalities for lead service line replacement.
$35.5 million for 105 communities to study their water systems infrastructure and identify potential hazards.
$21.6 million for 10 communities to reduce PFAS contamination.
$8.6 million for eight communities to improve their drinking water infrastructure.
$1.9 million for 27 communities to implement water rate plans to support their asset management plan, or watershed plans supporting long-term infrastructure needs to address public health and environmental risks.

Building Michigan Together Plan

The MI Clean Water Plan is not alone in supporting communities’ water infrastructure needs. On March 30, Governor Whitmer signed into law the nearly $5 billion bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, which makes the state’s largest-ever investment to rebuild and upgrade infrastructure, including water, transportation, high-speed internet, and more. It promises to grow the economy, benefit families statewide, and create up to 27,000 jobs to replace 20,000 lead water service lines. More than $1.9 billion for water infrastructure improvements in the plan includes:

At least $341 million to replace lead service lines, including 100% of lead service lines in Benton Harbor.
$40.5 million to help communities tackle toxic contaminants such as PFAS in drinking water and wastewater. That includes $18 million for the C2R2 grant program, $8.5 million of which is earmarked for Oscoda, a Michigan flashpoint for PFAS contamination near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base.
$20 million to help drinking water suppliers develop and update asset management plans and take stock of materials in their distribution systems, such as lead service lines.

ELGE Investments in Michigan Communities

EGLE invests more than half of its budget in Michigan communities in the form of financial assistance to address water infrastructure and other efforts to protect the environment and public health. Learn about funding opportunities for Michigan communities or see an interactive grants and loans dashboard on EGLE’s Grants and Financing webpage.

Landmark veterans bill on toxic exposure

by Becky Andrus | Jul 18, 2022 | Regional News

Hi there,

I have some incredible news for our veterans: last week, the House passed the historic Honoring Our PACT Act, which will finally address toxic exposure among service members. It now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass and be sent to the President’s desk.

You might remember a message from me a little while back celebrating the passage of this same bill in the House. The legislation had to return to our side of Congress due to a procedural issue, but is now back on track and on its way to becoming law.

Included in the package is my bipartisan Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act, which will help service members suffering from the effects of burn pit exposure get the specialized treatment they deserve.

When Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough recently made a visit to our district, he and I sat down with a few vets for a frank conversation on services and benefits. Burn pit exposure was one of their top concerns, and we got a lot of questions about the PACT Act.

Make no mistake – burn pits are the Agent Orange of the post-9/11 generation of vets, and before this bill becomes law, veterans have had to fight the VA and jump through a ton of hoops just to prove that their health issues might be connected to their exposure to burn pits in combat zones. My bill removes that burden, formally recognizing that those who served near burn pits were exposed to airborne hazards and toxins so that they can get proper care.

As an Army wife and someone who lived on a military base during three tours in Iraq where burn pits were used, this issue is personal for me, and it has been one of my top priorities in Congress. I first introduced the Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act over a year ago with my Republican colleague and fellow Michigander Rep. Peter Meijer, so this moment has been a long time coming. We’ve been working hard to get it over the finish line, and I can’t wait to see it signed into law this summer!

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin

MDOT public open houses July 26 and 28

by Becky Andrus | Jul 18, 2022 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Frezell
517-281-6519 [email protected]

MDOT public open houses July 26 and 28 to discuss the New Center Intermodal Facility (NCIF) in Detroit

Detroit, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting a virtual and in-person open house on the upcoming New Center Intermodal Facility (NCIF) in Detroit. NCIF is a proposed project that would combine an intercity bus station with the existing Amtrak train station at M-1 (Woodward Avenue) and Baltimore Street in the New Center neighborhood of Detroit.

Who:
Interested residents
Community leaders
Local businesses
MDOT staff and consultants

Virtual open house:
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Click here to join the Zoom virtual open house
Join by phone
312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 849 6980 0747
Passcode: 174900

In-person open houses:
Thursday, July 28, 2022
8 – 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fisher Building
3011 W Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48202

Please note that I-94 will be closed, impacting access routes to the Fisher Building.

Accessibility:
Accommodations can be made for persons who require mobility, visual, hearing, written, or other assistance for participation. Large print materials, auxiliary aids or the services of interpreters, signers, or readers are available upon request. Please contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or complete Form 2658 for American Sign Language (ASL) located on the Title VI webpage: https://www.Michigan.gov/MDOT/Programs/Title-VI. Requests should be made at least five days prior to the meeting date. Reasonable efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodation or an effective alternative, but accommodations may not be guaranteed.

Project information:
The current Amtrak train station and Howard Street intercity bus station have become expensive to maintain due to their age and are not up to standards for accessibility and safety. The NCIF will establish a regional transportation hub providing multimodal access and convenient connectivity with a focus on meeting the needs of disadvantaged communities. It will provide high-quality passenger amenities and public space improvements to enhance the customer and pedestrian experience in the project area.

Public input:
MDOT is currently seeking public input to discuss how the NCIF best serve the community. The virtual open house will be recorded and posted on the project website along with an online survey to provide feedback. Comments can be submitted via an online comment form, e-mail, phone, and in person at the public meeting.

Monica Monsma
MDOT Environmental Services Section
425 West Ottawa St.
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-4381

Market Days seek to promote healthy eating

by Becky Andrus | Jul 14, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Market Days seek to promote healthy eating and food access in Oakland County

Pontiac, Michigan – The Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) encourages residents to participate in their annual Family and Senior Market Days this summer. Residents with a State of Michigan Bridge/EBT card or who participate in Oakland County’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will receive a $5 coupon to purchase produce from local farmers on Family Market Days, and residents 60 years and older will receive a $5 coupon on Senior Market Days. Coupons are distributed on a first come, first served basis, and must be used during the event. No registration is necessary.

“These events help connect residents with locally grown, fresh produce, while familiarizing them with farmers markets around the county,” said Calandra Green, Oakland County health officer. “They also offer free nutrition education and physical activity opportunities to help reinforce healthy behaviors.”

In addition to $5 coupons for produce, the events will include a variety of activities for families and seniors, including yoga, Oakland County Parks inflatables, raffles, and prizes. Various resources will also be on site, including breastfeeding support, WIC Project Fresh, and older adult health resources.

WIC Project Fresh coupons will also be available at Family Market Days for enrolled WIC clients. The Oakland County and Oak Park Farmers Markets also offer Double Up Food Bucks, which matches money spent at a farmers’ market using a Bridge card/EBT up to $20.

Family Market Days:

July 23, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Oakland County Farmers Market (2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford)

July 27, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Oak Park Farmers Market (Oak Park High School Parking Lot, 13701 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park)

Senior Market Days (age 60+ only):

August 24, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Oak Park Farmers Market (Oak Park High School Parking Lot, 13701 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park)

September 8, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Oakland County Farmers Market (2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford)

September 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Farmington Farmers Market (33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington)

The market days this year are made possible in part by Beaumont Health, Trinity Health, Humana, Genysis Credit Union, Henry Ford Health System.

For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter, or contact Jessica Williams at [email protected] or (248) 563-7792.

Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP)

Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) was launched by Oakland County Health Division in 2009 as a collaboration of local government, hospitals, health care providers, community-based organizations, business, and citizens working to increase and promote healthy eating and physical activity opportunities.

HOP currently has two teams dedicated to specific initiatives:

Farmers Market Team – Improve the health and well-being of Oakland County by supporting Farmers Markets.
Youth Team – Improve the health and well-being of Oakland County through programs in schools.

HOP began hosting Family Market Days in 2009 to engage entire families in healthy eating practices and encourage physical activity. The partnership expanded to include older adults in 2017 by hosting Senior Market Days.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

Connect Residents to Advance Careers through Education

by Becky Andrus | Jul 14, 2022 | Regional News

Career and Education Navigators to Connect Residents with Financial and Other Support to Advance Careers through Education or Training

Team will help adults attain post-secondary degree or certification and build the region’s talent pipeline.
Career and education navigators will be embedded in communities throughout Oakland County.
Partners include Oakland County Michigan Works!, Oakland Community College, Oakland University, Lawrence Technological University, Baker College, Oakland Literacy Council and others.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County, in partnership with several regional educational institutions and community organizations, launched a new effort today to help Oakland County residents obtain a post-secondary degree or certification.

Career and education navigators will help individuals find paths to meaningful careers, get into and complete college or training programs, and reduce obstacles to education such as the cost of books, registration fees, and childcare options. To connect with a career and education navigator, call 1-888-559-4360 or click on www.oakgov.com/Oakland80.

“This program targets Oakland County adults to help them open the door to new or better career opportunities,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “We identified the resources needed to launch this program and hired people who are uniquely qualified to connect students with the help they need to launch a successful career.”

The career and education navigators are responsible for helping prospective students enter educational programs, including applying to post-secondary institutions, filing financial aid applications, accessing loan applications, transferring records, registering for classes, and helping tackle other barriers to success. Their work also includes intensive coaching and ongoing mentorship through graduation and beyond.

Career and Education Navigator Cal Talley said Oakland County residents who want to improve their career options, but may not be aware of the resources available, now have a partner in helping them achieve success.

“Oakland County’s career and education navigators are here to support you as you take the next steps in gaining your degree or credential,” he said. “From the application and enrollment process to student aid and support services like childcare, books, and transportation, our navigators will help you every step of the way in reaching your goals.”

The other career and education navigators and the communities in which they will be embedded are:

Team leader Tamara Myles
Jason Chapman in Troy
Rachel Dixon in Southfield
Carlton Elam in Waterford
Janice Fitzhugh based in Oak Park
Tonya Medlock in Pontiac
Paul Wierzbicki in Waterford

Talley is based in Novi. Navigator biographies accompany this press release in the press kit.

The career and education navigators will be located at the six Oakland County Michigan Works! Offices, Oakland Community College, Oakland University, the Oakland Literacy Council, and other partner sites around the county.

Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., whose campus will host a career and education navigator, said higher education translates into opportunity for individuals, their families, and communities.

“A college degree provides a person with more career options, upward mobility and significantly more earning potential,” Hirsch Pescovitz said. “Higher education also has a direct and positive impact on the community, society, and economic development. The data is unequivocal – there’s a direct correlation between education, quality of life and the health of our citizens and our economy.”

The Career and education navigators, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, are aligned with Oakland80, Oakland County’s goal to achieve 80 percent of its residents obtaining a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.

According to 2019 data from the Lumina Foundation, 59 percent of Oakland County’s 679,000 working adults already have an advanced degree. This outpaces the state of Michigan, which has a rate of 49 percent. The U.S. average of people with college degrees is 52 percent. Oakland County recognizes more needs to be done to improve the pipeline of skilled workers. According to recent southeast Michigan labor market data from Emsi, there were 2,736 job postings in advanced manufacturing, 595 in construction, 2,622 in health care and 6,530 in information technology.

WD-O80NavigatorBiosSheet-v2.pdf

Support-Services-Flyer.pdf