Enbridge Energy Partners LP is calling on the expertise of Michigan Technological University’s Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) to provide real-time environmental monitoring of the water conditions in the Straits of Mackinac. Enbridge Partners is sponsoring the GLRC’s efforts to integrate another monitoring buoy into the Upper Great Lakes Observing System (UGLOS). The GLRC will deploy, operate and disseminate data from the buoy for the benefit of all who use this important waterway. The new buoy will be equipped with standard weather and wave sensors and an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) that measures the flow of the water beneath… Read More »

  EAST LANSING, Aug. 12, 2015 – U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today announced that two regions in northern Michigan have been selected to participate in the Stronger Economies Together program. The Lakes to Land and Boardman River Watershed groups will work together to assist development in Manistee, Benzie, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties while the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Commission will cover Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee and Schoolcraft counties. “Stronger Economies Together represents an integrated, long-term commitment to build regional partnerships and create economic opportunities,” said Turner.  “USDA… Read More »

Frankenmuth, MI – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced legislation to require the State Department to invoke the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 and mandate that the International Joint Commission (IJC) study the risks to the Great Lakes from the proposed Canadian nuclear waste site on Lake Huron. The Stop Nuclear Waste by Our Lakes Act would also require the State Department to undertake negotiations with the Government of Canada to wait for the study results before approving any waste site located on the Great Lakes. Senator Gary Peters is cosponsoring the legislation in the Senate and Congressman Dan Kildee is… Read More »

The International Bridge arches will have a whole new nighttime look when the switch is thrown Wednesday evening on an energy efficient and colorful lighting upgrade. The International Bridge Authority (IBA) has replaced the white lights on top of the bridge’s three curved steel arches with colored light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The electrical circuits feeding the arch lights have been off for the past few weeks while the bulbs have been changed. “The new lighting system will give an upgrade to the bridge’s appearance while creating significant long-term energy and maintenance cost savings for the International Bridge,” said IBA… Read More »

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced today that he has sent a letter urging leaders of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to retain funding for a new vessel to enhance icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes. Recent winters have brought about near record-breaking levels of ice coverage on the Great Lakes, which has seriously impaired commercial shipping and economic activity in Michigan’s waterways. “The USGC operates an aging fleet on the Great Lakes that includes only nine icebreaking-capable cutters, some of which were commissioned back in… Read More »

Funds From EPA for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Projects Release Date: 07/29/2015 Contact Information: Peter Cassell, cassell.peter@epa.gov, 312-886-6234 CHICAGO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today issued a Request for Applications soliciting proposals for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants to fund new projects to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Up to $13.9 million will be available during the 2015 funding cycle for grants to state, tribal, interstate and local governmental agencies, institutions of higher learning and other nonprofit organizations. Applications are due September 28, 2015. “This round of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding will be used to target invasive species… Read More »

Lakerpalooza, an annual information and resource fair at Lake Superior State University, will welcome students to the twin-Sault community for its 13th year. Area businesses, non-profit organizations and service groups are invited to participate. The event is also open to the public. Lakerpalooza has become one of more popular parts of “Laker Week,” several days of special events that start off the new academic year. This year’s Lakerpalooza will be held from 12:30-3 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the Norris Center and Student Activity Center. Registration deadline for vendors and informational displays is noon on Friday, Aug. 21. Register online… Read More »

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University invites adult students from both sides of the St. Mary’s River to find out what the university has to offer them during a Non-Traditional Student Open House from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, July 27, in the Walker Cisler Center on campus. The program is an opportunity for students who may have started a degree some years ago, or who may be thinking of expanding their skills in anticipation of finding a different career path, to find out how they can get started. It will also be an opportunity for students to… Read More »

  JULY 21, 2015 – A job-seeker who successfully used the state’s labor exchange system — Pure Michigan Talent Connect  — to gain employment is the first recipient of a $5,000 signing bonus under the Michigan Celebrates You campaign. The campaign promotes use of the www.mitalent.org site by job seekers and employers, increases the number of accounts created, helps job seekers with their searches and recognizes employer-employee matches made via the site. It gives registered users on Pure Michigan Talent Connect the opportunity to participate in a monthly sweepstakes for the chance to win a $250 gift card. Over the… Read More »

  WASHINGTON D.C. – Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $1.3 million to give Upper Peninsula students, many of whom are the first in their family to go to college, coaching and skill development so they have a better shot at graduating college. This support through the Department of Education’s TRIO Student Support Services Program will benefit eligible students at Bay de Noc Community College, Northern Michigan University, Gogebic Community College, Finlandia University, and Bay Mills Community College. “Students who work hard and are accepted to college deserve every opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Stabenow. “Thanks to… Read More »