George James

Affordable Housing Being Addressed with Federal and Private Money

Looking for a place to rent or buy? If so, you know that reasonably priced housing is hard to find, state-wide. Affordable housing is at the center of a new proposal from the Governor’s office. The proposal would spend $100 million in federal relief money and $380 million in private funding to create new housing.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the investment “transformational” and said that the investment will “make a huge difference in the lives of Michiganders because a home is the foundation for long-term prosperity.”

The Governor has proposed moving $100 million of federal money into the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund which to works to meet the affordable housing needs of low-income households and to revitalize downtown areas in Michigan.   

MSHDA Acting Executive Director Gary Heidel said, “The current magnitude of the housing shortage is so large that solving the supply problem will take significant coordination of both public and private resources, coordination that the Housing and Community Development Fund was designed to do.” 

The investment is aimed at “missing middle” housing for those moving from low-income to middle-income housing and at workforce housing.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New Leadership Needed for Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society is looking for a whole new Board of Directors. The Board needs to be in place by August 28th, 2021 or the Society will dissolve.

In a social media post to members and friends, it was explained that new members are being sought for the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Historical Society is reeling from a painful chapter in which a former treasurer was convicted of embezzling substantial funds from the Society.

According to the statement made by the Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society, the minimal state requirements of a new Executive Board will need to be met or the Society will file for permanent closure of the non-profit. 

The Society was created in 2008 to preserve and protect the buildings affiliated with the Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Company and to preserve the history of other railroads in Michigan. Events such as the Tunnel City Railway Show have brought train enthusiasts of all ages together to celebrate the area’s rich rail history. 

Those interested in a Board position: contact@phdrailroad.org 

A letter of intent can be mailed to 2100 32nd Street Port Huron, MI 48060

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gray Wolves at Center of Lawsuit Between State and Federal Agency

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to remove gray wolves from the list of endangered species. That decision is being contested by Michigan’s Attorney General on the basis of the decision being contrary to the Endangered Species Act. The decision is based on Michigan’s success in recovering the species.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, “By delisting the gray wolf nationwide, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service abandoned its obligation to protect endangered gray wolves wherever they are found.”

Nessel and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum filed a brief in a lawsuit against the federal agency. The three points in the brief are that the Fish and Wildlife Service must look at the wolves’ current range, analyze the factors for delisting based on the actual location of the wolves, and not make decisions that affect orphan wolf populations that would otherwise be protected.

Nessel said, “The facts are clear here: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can only use Michigan’s successes in Michigan, not nationwide. Where wolves remain endangered, they must remain listed.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Industry 4.0 Initiative Underway for Area Manufacturers

The St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance has announced the launch of the I-69 Thumb Region’s Industry 4.0 Initiative.

The Initiative exists to drive Industry 4.0 readiness in small and mid-sized manufacturers. At least half of Michigan manufacturers are expected to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025. The technologies include automation and advancements that prepare Michigan industry for the future.

Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County said, “There are several key benefits for our region’s manufacturers to implement Industry 4.0 small changes to their business systems and processes. Smart factory changes can reduce material waste, help to solve labor shortages, create efficiencies and increase production. Most importantly, by becoming an early adopter of I4.0, a manufacturer is creating a competitive advantage for their business.”

Assessments are underway to gauge the level of readiness in the region. The I-69 Thumb Region covers Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawasee, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SPARK 2.0 Keeps Students Learning and Growing Through the Summer

Port Huron, MI — Summer school has been a tremendous success, according to Port Huron Schools. The SPARK 2.0 program was financed with federal Covid relief money and is involving the whole community with the innovative learning experience.

The program helps students recover academically after a challenging year of online and hybrid learning where some kids fell behind. The elementary through high school program is even getting some kids back on track to graduate on time. 

Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas said, “To say we are incredibly proud of our high school summer students, teachers and staff is an understatement. Their hard work and efforts are leading us all in recovery from the pandemic.”

Referring to the many off-site learning experiences, such as field trips and collaboration with community organizations, Catherine Woolman, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services for Port Huron Schools said, “They aren’t just working on their math and reading skills to ensure they are prepared for returning to school this fall, but they are having fun and learning life lessons in the process.”

Students have been taking trips to places like the YMCA, SC4, and Port Huron Museums. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland