Federal Highway Administration Awards $50 Million Grant for Mid-Michigan Road and Bridge Repairs Following Flooding and Dam Failure
On August 31st, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded $50 million to reimburse Michigan for emergency road and bridge repairs made in 2020 after dam failures and flooding in mid-Michigan.
Following extensive flood damage caused by dam breaches in May 2020, nearly 30 roads and bridges across the region were closed and suffered damage. In Midland and Gladwin counties, three bridges within a 2-mile distance were closed to traffic after being washed away. US-10 at Sanford Lake was also closed to traffic due to extreme scour of bridge piers and the bridge approaches being washed away.
The FHWA will send $50 million in emergency relief funds to Michigan to reimburse the state for repairs it made to roadways and bridges following the severe flooding in mid-Michigan in 2020. The flooding prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency, order the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents, and contributed to the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams.
The reimbursement is part of aid the FHWA is distributing to states and territories for repairs to roads and bridges damaged by storms, floods, wildfires and other recent severe weather events. Michigan received a larger reimbursement than most other states with the exceptions of California and Puerto Rico, who faced historic wildfires and hurricanes, respectively.
Reporting for WGRT – George James
Lt. Governor Gilchrist Highlights $55 Million Expansion of Michigan Reconnect Program
On August 31st, during an event at Mott Community College, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist touted the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2023 budget’s inclusion of $55 million to fully fund the Michigan Reconnect program. He also encouraged working-age Michiganders to join the more than 100,000 people who have taken the first step towards earning a college degree or skills certificate through the Michigan Reconnect program in the last 18 months.
The Michigan Reconnect program, which provides free or reduced community college tuition for students 25 and older who have not yet earned a degree, was launched in February 2021.
The event’s aim was to highlight how programs such as Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners are creating a rewarding path to in-demand careers for Michiganders and to encourage more participation in the Michigan Reconnect program.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist also highlighted $6 million in grant funding now available to help cover other costs that often keep adult learners from returning to college or enrolling for the first time.
The new grants, which will be distributed by the state’s community and tribal colleges, can be used for books, childcare, internet access and transportation to help students pursue associate degrees or skills certificates.
To be eligible for the grants, students must:
- Be Michigan Reconnect or Futures for Frontliners scholarship participants
- Have completed at least one semester within the respective scholarship program they are participating in
- Be enrolled already, or be in the process of enrolling, for a qualifying semester
More information is available at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.
Reporting for WGRT – George James
SC4 Fast-path Courses Help Students Earn Credits Faster
Registration is open for fast-path fall semester classes at St. Clair County Community College. Seats are available in 12-week classes starting the week of Sept. 19 and eight-week classes starting the week of Oct. 17.
Fast-path classes allow students to earn credits that count toward general education or degree requirements at a quicker pace. Sections are available for classes in topics that include biology, business, English, earth science, French, history, math, political science, psychology, sociology, statistics, and more.
A full list of courses and sections is available at sc4.edu/schedule, and new students can learn how to apply and register at sc4.edu/admissions. Current students can register via the SC4 Portal at portal.sc4.edu.
For more information, contact the SC4 Admissions team at (810) 989-5571 or email starthere@sc4.edu.
Reporting for WGRT – George James
Join the United Way for Their 2022 Campaign Kickoff Event
The United Way of St. Clair County is kicking off their 2022 fundraising campaign at the Port Huron Eagles Lodge at 2645 Howard St. in Port Huron. It will take place on Sep. 14th from 5 PM to 7 PM. Activities will include:
- BBQ Dinner
- Cash Bar
- 50/50 Raffle
- Short Presentation
- Cornhole Tourney
- Other Backyard Games
Please RSVP by September 6th by calling 810-824-0941, emailing campaign@uwstclair.org, or use the form on the website at uwstclair.org/kickoff.
Since its founding in 1924, the main purpose of United Way of St. Clair County is to support local health and human services organizations that empower residents to raise their quality of life.
Reporting for WGRT – George James