Oakland County Providing Veterans with Free Transportation

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2022 | Regional News

Oakland County Providing Veterans with Free Transportation

Pontiac, Michigan – All military veterans who live in Oakland County now have access to door-to-door transportation services from their homes to Oakland County Veterans’ Services offices in Troy and Pontiac.

“The goal of the program is to eliminate any transportation barriers that may prevent our veterans from accessing the benefits they earned while serving our nation,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said.

In partnership with SMART, free transportation is offered from any point of origin in Oakland County to a Veterans’ Services’ office and back home. All veterans who make an appointment with the Veterans’ Services team will receive contact information for SMART to arrange their transportation. ADA transportation is available and transportation arrangements should be made at least three days prior to the appointment.

“When the county reached out to us to help with transportation for this grant-funded project for veterans, we jumped at the chance to assist,” said Dwight Ferrell, general manager of SMART, “Through our various community transit partners in Oakland County, SMART is positioned to be able to coordinate a ride to ensure all veterans who need a ride can get one.”

Garth Wootten, manager of Oakland County Veterans’ Services, noted that access to transportation, especially ADA-equipped transportation, can be an obstacle many of veterans face.

“This program will help eliminate that barrier and allow all veterans to access their benefits,” Wootten said. “I’m so pleased to be partnering with SMART for this service for our veterans.”

Oakland County Veterans’ Services helps veterans and their dependents with disability compensation, pension, healthcare, burial benefits, education, life insurance, home loans and more. From applying for benefits to appealing a finding, the benefits counselors are available to help Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. To book an appointment or learn more, visit oakgov.com/veterans or call 248-858-0785 in Pontiac or 248-655-1250 in Troy.

The Veteran’s Transportation Program is made possible by a grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

DNR, Michigan State Police team up to fight wildland fires

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2022 | Recreation

DNR News

June 1, 2022
Contact: Dan Laux (DNR), 517-256-6378 or Lt. Patrick Lawrence (Michigan State Police), 517-335-9900

DNR, Michigan State Police team up to fight wildland fires

A Michigan Stae Police helicopter teamed with a DNR "Bambi Bucket" is now a key tool available for fighting wildland fires.

An idea first conceived in 2016 has become reality – and likely will be a big help in fighting future wildland fires in Michigan.

Earlier this month, a Michigan State Police UH-1 helicopter, known best as a “Huey,” hovered low over a northern Michigan lake to fill with water a 320-gallon collapsible bucket owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Huey carried the water back to the fire area and released its load to calm the flames.

The devices are commonly referred to by the trade name, “Bambi Bucket.” Though some assume the bucket’s name is somehow connected to the famed Disney deer, industry lore says that inventor Don Arney – a 2017 National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee – made up the name as a joke. It stuck.

“It’s another important tool in the toolbox when it comes to fighting fires,” said Dan Laux, Fire Section manager for the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “The Bambi Bucket can help in the early stages of a fire to keep it manageable, keep it small, especially in an area that’s hard to access.”

A cooperative effort years in the making

A Michigan State Police helicopter equipped with a Bambi Bucket carries a load of water over the forest.

When a fire is burning hot, dropping water also can help cool it down so crews on the ground can get near it more safely.

“We’ve worked with the DNR for years on different projects within Aviation and outside of Aviation, and this is further expanding the cooperation between the two agencies,” said Lt. Patrick Lawrence, chief pilot for the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit.

The idea was initially presented to the State Police by former DNR Fire Section leader Jim Fisher and pilot Bill Green in 2016, both of whom have since retired.

The Michigan State Police acquired the helicopter from federal military surplus. Flying with the bucket requires a crew of three – a pilot, a radio communicator and a bucket operator.

Meanwhile, DNR fire staff worked to purchase the bucket, which costs about $25,000, with federal grant money.

The two agencies also had to craft a plan for how the partnership would work.

“This was a great opportunity to utilize existing aerial resources within the state for wildfire suppression. Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources programs saw the mutual benefit of working together to protect natural resources, life and property during wildfire events. The addition of the Bambi Bucket adds to the long history of collaboration between the two agencies,” said Kevin Jacobs, DNR aviation manager.

For the past couple of years, on days with high fire danger, the helicopter flies from its base in Lansing to stand by in Roscommon. From there it can respond quickly to places in the northern Lower Peninsula.

The results are effective

“We want to support both agencies where it makes sense, and this is absolutely an arena where working together is good for the people of Michigan and good for both agencies,” Lawrence said.

He flew the first mission May 9 as air support to contain a fire south of Kirtland Community College’s Roscommon campus.

“It felt good to support the guys on the ground and help them get the fire under control,” Lawrence said.

Laux said a second mission, on a fire near Grayling May 14, was also effective.

“It was a huge save in keeping that fire under 20 acres,” he said.

So far in 2022, the DNR has worked to suppress 138 fires covering more than 2,900 acres across the state. Learn more about the department’s wildland firefighting efforts at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Helicopter and bucket: A helicopter owned by the Michigan State Police is paired with a “Bambi Bucket” that is used to scoop water to fight wildland fires. Photo credit: Michigan State Police.
Action! The Michigan State Police UH-1 or “Huey” helicopter drops a 320-gallon load of water over the forest. In an example of interagency cooperation, the helicopter is used with a DNR-owned water-scooping bucket to fight wildland fires. Photo credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Video: The helicopter drops a load of water. Video credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

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Ford to Invest $2 Billion to Create more than 3,200 Jobs

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer: Ford to Invest $2 Billion to Create More than 3,200 New Manufacturing Jobs, Secure Critical EV Production in Michigan

$2 billion investment ensures future opportunity for EV manufacturing growth, while securing internal combustion engine portfolio in Michigan
Third EV/battery-related investment of more than $1 billion secured in Michigan since beginning of the year

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Ford Chief Policy Officer and General Counsel Steven Croley, elected officials and state leaders during the Mackinac Policy Conference today to announce an investment by Ford of more than $2 billion across the company’s plants in Michigan. The project is expected to create more than 3,200 good-paying, UAW jobs and help further the company’s electric vehicle future in the state while also securing the company’s existing internal combustion engine vehicle operations in Michigan.

“We are thrilled that Ford is advancing its long legacy in Michigan by investing $2 billion to create 3,200 good-paying UAW jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s announcement marks another historic economic win for the state in recent months and will help our economy grow even stronger. I am proud that we came together to deliver economic development legislation that has helped us land huge projects, creating thousands of jobs. With this announcement, Michigan has added nearly 25,000 auto jobs since I took office and we continue to lead the future of mobility and electrification. Let’s continue in this spirit of collaboration to keep growing our economy, creating jobs, and advancing the future of mobility and electrification.”

Investments announced today will secure critical activities related to electric and internal combustion vehicle production. More than 65 percent of the new jobs supported through the Critical Industry Program will help drive new EV and other vehicle production-related activities across five plants in Southeast Michigan, including a new packaging facility in Monroe Charter Township. As the company continues to electrify its existing fleet, the remaining investment will help ensure those vehicles will also be built in Michigan by providing a strong base in Michigan for future decisions around converting vehicles and plants to electric.

Today’s announcement follows a historic $7 billion investment by General Motors to build its all-electric future in the state, converting its Orion Township assembly plant to produce full-size EV pickups and building Ultium’s third U.S. battery cell plant in Lansing and a $1.7 billion investment by LG Energy Solution to quintuple its battery production capacity in Holland. Collectively, these investments demonstrate Michigan’s continued growth in, and efforts to attract significant investments in the advanced manufacturing, EV and mobility sector to the state.

“Ford is committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution and strengthening our portfolio of iconic vehicles that customers love. That’s why we’re announcing historic investments in our home state of Michigan, creating thousands of high-quality union jobs to expand production of the all-new F-150 Lightning as well as the next generation global Mustang and Ranger for the U.S. market,” said Kumar Galhotra, president, Ford Blue. “Ford is proud to assemble more vehicles and employ more union auto workers in the U.S. than any other auto manufacturer, and with today’s announcement, we will have created or retained 10,000 jobs and invested more than $10 billion in Michigan since 2016.”

Ford’s decision to expand in Michigan will have a far-reaching impact on the entire state, with the influx of jobs resulting in spinoff investments and local redevelopment opportunities. More than $22.5 billion in new personal income is expected to be generated by the direct, indirect, and induced jobs that this opportunity will create over 16 years. This personal income will be utilized to not only support the many small businesses in the community that are still recovering from the COVID pandemic, but will spur demand to redevelop underutilized and blighted properties in the community and the state for commercial and residential purposes.

In addition, the project has an employment multiplier of 4.3, which means that an additional 3.3 jobs in Michigan’s economy are anticipated to be created for every new direct job, due to the extensive supply chain that exists in Michigan.

To support today’s transformational investments, the Michigan Strategic Fund today approved:

Critical Industry Program (CIP) through Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund (SOAR) – $100.8 million

The Critical Industry Program will support investments at five facilities in Michigan that will lead to the creation of 3,030 new jobs and $1.16 billion of investment.

State Essential Services Assessment (State ESA) Exemption – $34.4 million

The State ESA will support investments at 10 in Michigan facilities, including the five also supported by CIP, that will lead and additional $854 million of investment and the creation of an additional 230 new jobs.

Signed into law by Gov. Whitmer in December, the Critical Industry Program and Strategic Site Readiness Program were created to ensure Michigan could effectively compete for billions of dollars in investment and attract tens of thousands of jobs to bolster the state’s economy.

“Michigan, thanks in large part to Ford, has put the world on wheels for decades, and we intend to keep doing so for decades to come. Regardless of party, we’re all committed to doing whatever it takes to keep our title as the car capitol of the world,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake).

“Michigan workers have the best skills, the most training and the strongest work ethic of anyone nationwide. They deserve the good-paying jobs and long-term commitment this project will provide,” said Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell). I look forward to going through the details of this plan with the Appropriations Committee and finalizing the agreement soon.”

Since 2016, Ford has announced nearly $10 billion in investment in Michigan, largely around electric and autonomous vehicle manufacturing, supporting nearly 10,000 new and retained jobs for Michigan’s manufacturing workforce.

Today’s news builds on Ford’s February announcement that it was forming a new partnership to activate the Michigan Central Innovation District in an effort to attract and retain highly skilled talent and high-growth companies while supporting the development of neighboring neighborhoods.  This new district, anchored by the iconic Michigan Central Train Station, will serve as a globally recognized hub for talent, mobility innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, affordable housing, small business opportunities and community engagement.

“Ford’s decision underscores the continuing vitality of our state’s EV and mobility sector. Through a bipartisan and pragmatic approach, Team Michigan demonstrated again its commitment to winning the future of mobility and EV manufacturing here in Michigan,” said MEDC CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair Quentin Messer Jr. “Michigan is competing aggressively to win every EV and mobility investment. We appreciate and are grateful for Ford’s continued vote of confidence in Michigan and their partnership on this economic win that will positively impact Michiganders across our state for decades to come.”

Google has also joined Ford as a Founding Member of the Innovation District, where it will leverage the assets of the district to collaborate on new products and services that will define the future of mobility. As founding members, Google and Ford will also help mentor entrepreneurs and local businesses, as well as develop the workforce in Detroit.

“This announcement is a testament to UAW members who contribute their skill, experience, and knowledge to the success of Ford Motor Company,” said UAW President Ray Curry. “We are always advocating to employers and legislators that union jobs are worth the investment. Ford stepped up to the plate by adding these jobs and converting 3000 UAW members to permanent, full-time status with benefits.”

“The essential necessity of quality healthcare and full-time employment are longstanding principles that have been communicated to the Company by the UAW International Union and our UAW Local Unions since our inception,” said UAW Vice President and Director of UAW’s Ford Department Chuck Browning.  “I applaud the actions of Ford Motor Company to address these issues outside the realm of collective bargaining. These unprecedented steps taken by Bill Ford Jr. and CEO Jim Farley are both a refreshing and innovative approach to labor relations that delivers great benefit when most needed by our hard-working members.”

Quotes from legislators and local officials:

“Ford knows that the most talented and dedicated workers come from right here in Michigan. Today’s announcement is only possible when bold industry and government leaders share a commitment to the prosperity of our state and its people. The positive ripple effects of this major investment will be felt far and wide.”

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint)

“When we funded the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund in the legislature,  this is just the type of transformational investments we were aiming to bring to Michigan. These thousands of new, good-paying, union jobs represent not just a great contribution to our state’s economy but also meaningful, secure employment for thousands of households in our state— the kind of economic stability Michigan families need to thrive.”

House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township)

“We’re excited to hear the news that one of our anchors and largest employers in Wayne County is expanding its footprint and solidifying itself even deeper in our community. We’ve always known Wayne County is a great place for global companies to call home and we’re excited for what this means for our economy. This investment shows the state’s commitment to the largest county in the state and the well-being of its 1.75 million residents.”

Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans

“Macomb County has a long history of providing the tools and teams necessary for automotive innovation, so we welcome this announcement from Ford and appreciate their ongoing commitment to our community when it comes to both EV and internal combustion technology. “Macomb’s skilled and talented workforce can help them meet rising consumer demand for vehicles, including the All Electric F150 Lightning. And we stand ready to get the job done.”

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel

“On behalf of the County of Monroe, we are excited to have another Ford facility here in Monroe County. We appreciate this significant capital investment and the new jobs it will bring to the area and look forward to continuing this long-lasting relationship.”

Tim Lake, president and CEO of the Monroe County Business Development Corporation

Gov Whitmer at event

Gov. Whitmer speaks at roundtable event

Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, June 4-12

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2022 | Environmental

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2022
Jeff Johnston, public information officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304

Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, June 4-12, celebrates Michigan’s ‘water champions’

Commemorations include water use webinar, grant announcements, free fishing weekend

The Great Lakes and Michigan’s abundant freshwater resources have tremendous value to Michiganders. Coming up June 4-12, the annual celebration of Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week focuses on becoming “water champions” – inspiring people to champion the health of this vital ecosystem and to enjoy, appreciate, and safeguard it for current and future generations.

Michigan is home to more than 3,200 miles of coastline along four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes and ponds, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, and enough groundwater to fill Lake Michigan over again. More than 30 million people in the U.S. and Canada rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water.

“Michiganders share a special bond as stewards of the world’s largest freshwater system,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who dedicated the week in a proclamation. “Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week reminds us that this irreplaceable resource powers our lives, our livelihoods, and the ecosystems around us. Being a Michigan water champion means understanding our responsibility to work together to find solutions and overcome challenges such as aging infrastructure, invasive species, extreme weather, and climate change.”

This year’s Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week follows the April 21 release of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, a broad vision for Michigan’s prosperous clean energy future and economywide carbon neutrality by 2050. Gov. Whitmer commissioned the plan, which calls for protecting state land and water.

More recently, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) hosted a virtual Great Lakes Water Infrastructure Conference, May 10-11, focused on solutions to challenges faced by the Great Lakes region. Recorded sessions from the conference are available on the website.

These latest actions harken back to the MI Clean Water Plan released in 2020 and providing $500 million in funding to help local municipalities upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

“By building a shared understanding of how water conservation, water infrastructure, energy, and climate are connected, we can strengthen our collective efforts and protect the health and sustainability of our water resources,” said EGLE Director Liesl Clark. “We want future generations to enjoy the same experiences we do in the Great Lakes State: swimming, boating, fishing, sightseeing, and more.”

EGLE and its Office of the Great Lakes (OGL) partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), and the MiSTEM Network at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to sponsor Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week.

“The celebration of Fresh Water Week takes on even more meaning this year, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the Michigan State Waterways Commission and all of the work done to make the state’s Great Lakes, rivers, and inland lakes more accessible for better boating adventures,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Michigan’s freshwater resources, in large part, define what it means to live in this state, and the DNR remains committed to protecting and managing these resources that provide the backdrop for amazing recreation experiences you won’t find anywhere else.”

SEMCOG Executive Director Amy O’Leary agreed.

“Southeast Michigan’s Great Lakes shoreline and our inland lakes and streams are among our most prized regional assets,” O’Leary said. “The health and sustainability of our waters are supported by an army of water champions, including our state and federal partners, the Great Lakes Water Authority, local governments, educators, gardeners, anglers, paddlers, nature lovers, nonprofit partners such as watershed organizations, and so many more. If you want to learn more about how to be a water champion in your Southeast Michigan community, visit miOneWater.org.”

There are many ways to participate in Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week:

Visit EGLE on Facebook for news and info from the department. A video June 6 by EGLE Director Liesl Clark will highlight Michigan water champions and the opportunity to share how you and those you know live out water champion principles.
Virtually attend a webinar titled “Water: We are the Champions,” part of SEMCOG’s One Water webinar series, at 1 p.m. Monday, June 6. Presenters from SEMCOG, EGLE, and the Great Lakes Water Authority will discuss what it means to be a water champion. Register on SEMCOG’s website or watch the presentation live on SEMCOG’s Facebook page.
Virtually attend an EGLE webinar titled “How Michigan’s Water Use Program Preserves and Manages our Water Resources” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, to learn why Michigan has water use regulations, how they work, and what they mean for the state’s residents, industries, and future generations. Register on EGLE’s website.
Tease your brain with daily Great Lakes trivia, posted to the DNR’s Mi Nature Facebook page and at EGLE’s Twitter feed June 6-10.
Fish for free June 11-12. On these two days, the DNR will waive the need for a fishing license, as well as off-road vehicle license, trail permit, and the Recreation Passport requirement for admission to state parks and boating access sites.
Settle in at the beach with a great summer read like the 2021 State of the Great Lakes report.
Enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably by following tips for responsible recreation in and around Michigan waterways.
Teachers, explore the From Students to Stewards toolkit for place-based educational resources that will instill a desire to learn about water resources and protect our lakes and streams.
Public officials, study up on issues around drinking water infrastructure investments and resources available to your communities. Check the Michigan Municipal League Foundation’s MI Water Navigator website as a guide to navigating infrastructure funding opportunities.
Watch the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) MiSTEM Network website June 8 for the announcement of grant recipients from a combined $200,000 allocated by LEO and EGLE in February. The grants, a continuation of the 2020 From Students to Stewards Initiative and 2021 MiSTEM Transformative Playbook grants, will boost freshwater literacy programs and access to real-world STEM experiences for Michigan K-12 students.

More details about the week are available on the OGL’s Stewarding the Great Lakes webpage, including links to local events, videos, educational resources on topics such as invasive species identification and proper disposal of old medications, and information on how to volunteer with the Michigan Clean Water Corps.

Oakland County Wins Silver in Environmental Leadership

by Becky Andrus | Jun 1, 2022 | Regional News

Oakland County Wins Silver in Environmental Leadership

Oakland County achieved silver status for exemplary action in the Michigan Green Communities program.

Oakland County is measuring greenhouse gas emissions, has a campus-wide sustainability plan, will integrate solar energy in an upcoming renovation, and plans to install electric vehicle charging stations.

Pontiac, Michigan – The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program has recognized Oakland County for its environmental leadership. The county achieved silver status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including planning, climate resilience and adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and protection, and mobility.

“One of my first pledges to the residents when I became the county executive in 2019 was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the county government campus in Pontiac and Waterford by 2030 and in the county overall by 2050,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “I’m honored that the Michigan Green Communities program has recognized the county for the environmental sustainability plans we’re developing that will ensure future generations have a safe and clean county where they can live, succeed and thrive.”

Since hiring its first chief environmental sustainability officer, Oakland County has begun tracking and measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, developed a campus-wide sustainability plan, integrated solar energy in an upcoming renovation, and plans to install electric vehicle charging stations in two parking lot projects.

The county was also recently accepted into the 2022 LEED for Cities program which provides technical assistance to help communities reach their sustainability goals.

“You cannot manage what you do not measure – metrics and data are critical to sustainability – and we are already gauging our performance in reaching our sustainability goals,” Erin Quetell, Oakland County’s chief environmental sustainability officer, said. “The Michigan Green Communities Challenge is a great way for municipalities of all sizes to track and measure their sustainability successes.”

As part of the 2021 MGC Challenge, 44 participating local governments were awarded gold, silver, or bronze seals of achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice, and more. Ten communities received bronze certification, 12 received silver certification, and 22 received gold certification.

The MGC program is open to all local governments in Michigan. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of Michigan.

MGC is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.

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