DNR: Trust Fund board recommends $37.8 million to boost outdoor recreation

DNR: Trust Fund board recommends $37.8 million to boost outdoor recreation

by | Dec 3, 2020 | Recreation

Trails, parks, playgrounds and more benefit from Trust Fund grants

– DNR News –
Dec. 3, 2020

Contact: Jon Mayes, 517-284-5954

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board recommends $37.8 million to boost outdoor recreation

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommended Wednesday to the Michigan Legislature that 76 recreation development projects and land acquisitions totaling $37,789,600 be funded in 2021. The board this year considered a total of 136 applications seeking over $60 million in funding. In a competitive process, all eligible applications were evaluated based on scoring criteria approved by the Trust Fund board.

“Easy access to the beauty of Michigan’s natural places and open spaces during a challenging, uncertain year has been a source of comfort and connection for residents across our state, and the Trust Fund is a major part of making those opportunities available,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Whether you’re enjoying a trail or park close to home or exploring the deep forest, outdoor recreation resources like these are big contributors to each community’s quality of life and unique appeal.”

The Trust Fund board recommends funding to both state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions that will further access to public outdoor recreation.

This year, the board recommended $27,289,600 for acquisition grants and $10,500,000 for development grants. There were 26 acquisition grants awarded to local units of government for a total of $20,805,400, while four acquisition grants went to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for projects totaling $6,484,200. The Trust Fund board also recommended a total of $9,300,000 in 42 development grants be awarded to local units of government while four DNR projects garnered a total of $1,200,000.

“This year’s grant recommendations represent a broad range of land acquisition and outdoor development projects that will make a real difference,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “With the results of Proposal 1 this fall, it’s clear that Michigan’s residents support this program and its continued investment in projects that speak to the recreational needs of communities across our state.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals. Over the past 44 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.2 billion to state and local units of government to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan.

“Under the challenges of gathering with friends and family this year, outdoor spaces and public recreation played a major component in people’s lives,” said Trust Fund board chair Bill Rustem. “This program’s ability to continue to acquire and develop parks and green spaces is more important now than ever to ensure that every Michigander has access to the state’s natural resources.”

The Trust Fund board’s recommendations will go to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature forwards a bill to the governor for her signature.

A list of the final recommendations made by the Trust Fund board is available at Michigan.gov/MNRTF.
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
EGLE offers grants for new diesel engines

EGLE offers grants for new diesel engines

by | Dec 3, 2020 | Regional News

 
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 3, 2020
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, AssendelftN@Michigan.gov, 517-388-3135
Irene Queen, EGLE Environmental Analyst, Queeni1@Michigan.gov, 517-420-3230

EGLE offers grants for new diesel engines, alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles and equipment

A total of $322,800 is available for clean diesel and alternative fuel engine and equipment replacement projects under a competitive grant request for proposals (RFP) announced today by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

The 2020-22 Michigan Clean Diesel Program RFP targets efforts to replace old diesel equipment, vehicles and engines with new diesel, alternative fuel, electric or hybrid versions. Cities, townships, villages, county governmental agencies, public school districts, private schools, public transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations, nonprofit organizations or private businesses can apply for the grants.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Jan. 28, 2021. Projects must be completed by August 2022 and fall into one of two categories:

  • Vehicle Replacement: Funding may cover up to 25 percent of the cost of eligible diesel vehicle replacements, up to 35 percent of the cost of eligible vehicles that meet the California Air Resource Board’s optional low oxides of nitrogen standards and up to 45 percent of the cost of an all-electric vehicle replacement. Eligible drayage vehicle replacement may be funded up to 50 percent.
  • Engine Replacement: Funding includes, but is not limited to, replacing diesel engines with an engine certified for use with diesel or an alternative fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas or propane) or a zero tailpipe emissions power source (grid battery or fuel cell). Funding for engine replacement may cover up to 40 percent for diesel or alternative fuel engines, 50 percent for low-nitrogen oxide and up to 60 percent for replacement with zero emission engines.

A webinar explaining the 2020-22 Michigan Clean Diesel Grant Program’s “Guidelines for Grant Application” is scheduled for 2-3 p.m. Jan. 5, 2021. Eligible diesel vehicles, engines and equipment: Buses, Class 5-8 heavy-duty highway vehicles, marine engines, locomotives and nonroad engines and equipment or vehicles used in construction or handling of cargo (including at a port or airport) are eligible.

The project is funded with state and federal money, with the federal portion provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.

Visit the Michigan Clean Diesel Program website to download the RFP application.

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EGLE COVID-19 RESPONSE:
For details on EGLE’s work during the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 response webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Program Offers Another $10 Million

Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Program Offers Another $10 Million

by | Dec 3, 2020 | Regional News

MEDIA ADVISORY – Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Program Offers Another $10 Million To Aid Restaurants Impacted By COVID-19

​Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Program Offers Another $10 Million To Aid Restaurants Impacted By COVID-19

Who

David Coulter, Oakland County Executive
David T. Woodward, Board of Commissioners Chairman Sean Carlson, Deputy County Executive Drew Ciora, Owner of the Royal Oak Brewery
What

​Oakland County Executive David Coulter and Board of Commissioners Chairman David T. Woodward will unveil details of $10 million in Oakland Together Restaurant Relief program for restaurants struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Categories will include general operational assistance, help to adapt facilities for outside service, and aid to reopen safely. Further details will b released at the news conference.

Where

In front of the Royal Oak Brewery, 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, Michigan
When

Dec 3, 2020, 1:30 PM
Additional Info

The news conference will stream live on the Oakland County Executive Facebook page (@OakGov.EO). Journalists who are unable to attend in person may text questions to 248-202-9668. With your question, please include your name and organization. Because of the pandemic, the news conference will be held outdoors in front of the Royal Oak Brewery. Masks will be available for those who arrive without one. For media inquiries only, please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.
court ruling in Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association lawsuit 

court ruling in Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association lawsuit 

by | Dec 3, 2020 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Media Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 2, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov   

Statement from MDHHS Director Robert Gordon on latest favorable
court ruling in Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association lawsuit 

“We are happy that today’s ruling keeps in place measures that will save lives by limiting specific indoor gatherings that greatly increase the risk of COVID-19 spread. The science is settled: public health experts from around the nation and world say these types of actions must be taken to prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. These protocols on specific indoor gatherings, along with wearing face masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing, give Michigan a fact-based approach to slow the spread of COVID-19 so we can return to a strong economy and get back to normal safely as soon as we can.”
Whitmer Recognizes Today as  Persons With Disabilities Day 

Whitmer Recognizes Today as  Persons With Disabilities Day 

by | Dec 3, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2020

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Recognizes Today as  Persons With Disabilities Day

 

LANSING, MICH. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation designating today as Day of Persons With Disabilities in Michigan to acknowledge the unique challenges that those with disabilities face.

 

“As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic here in Michigan, we must continue working around the clock to protect people with disabilities and compromised immune systems,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today is a time to recommit ourselves to creating a state where persons with disabilities have equal rights and freedom, and to dismantle the barriers Michiganders with disabilities face every day.”

 

In Michigan, 27% of residents have disabilities, and this percentage increases with age demographics. People with disabilities face hardships with regard to securing employment, health care and education. Governor Whitmer is committed to protecting health care for those with preexisting conditions and creating a state that provides opportunities for everyone.

 

In 2019, the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council), an advocacy organization housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, launched a multi-year campaign aimed at creating fully inclusive communities, educational environments and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

 

The initial campaign encouraged employers to hire individuals with I/DD and advocated for individuals with I/DD to be welcomed and engaged as contributing members of their communities by friends, neighbors and family members. This year the DD Council expanded the campaign to include voting rights for individuals with disabilities. Leading up to the election, the campaign focused on individuals with disabilities right to vote, including those with guardians, and provided guidance to have accessible voting.

 

As the state continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, persons with disabilities are especially vulnerable due to the virus’s increased rate of severity in those with preexisting conditions. Michiganders must do their part by continuing to wear a mask,  maintaining physical distance from others, and washing their hands frequently.

 

To view the proclamation, click the link below: