MiSTAIRS Program Increases Access to Apprenticeship Programs
Federal money continues to be poured into training Michigan’s labor force. The MiStairs, or Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion and Readiness System, was funded with a $10 million grant.
The grant will support the registered apprenticeship program expansion efforts in the state with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities.
Michigan is one of fifteen states to receive grants from the United States Department of Labor. The new MiSTAIRS program is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Michigan Works!, and other job training organizations.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the grants, saying, “As we put Michigan back to work, Registered Apprenticeship programs offer on-ramps to high-demand, high-skill careers, and in Michigan we have committed to expanding these educational opportunities to ensure more Michiganders can get good-paying jobs.”
Whitmer went on to say that the grants will help achieve the “60 by 30” goal to have 60% of Michigan’s adults with post-secondary education or skills training by 2030. The grants will help enroll over 1600 workers into apprenticeship programs.
More information about Michigan State Apprenticeship Expansion is available at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
High-Speed Internet to Reach Unserved Communities
High-speed internet will be coming to the underserved areas in Michigan if the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office is able to accomplish its goals.
The initiative was awarded $15.3 million through the Connecting Michigan Communities Grant program. The funding will go toward twenty projects that service 6700 locations. The economic benefit is projected at $12.4 million annually.
Locally, service in Cottrellville and St. Clair Townships are part of the state-wide initiative.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist said, “We will continue to invest in expanding infrastructure to allow all Michiganders the opportunity to access high-speed internet. The funding in the CMIC grant will increase access for families and better connect people, communities, and businesses across Michigan.”
The high-speed internet access is intended to expand service to unserved areas in the state and enhance the ability to connect for personal, professional, and educational purposes.
The projects are meant to increase digital literacy by providing training to residents and businesses and working with community organizations to promote e-learning, job, and workforce training.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Next Michigan State Park Could Be in Downtown Flint
For Blue Water Area residents looking for a day trip, there could be new recreational opportunities just an hour’s drive away. Plans are underway to create a new Michigan State Park in Flint. The new park would be located at a former industrial site, Chevy Commons. The proposed park needs to be approved by the legislature.
The possible state park would run along the Flint River and would connect to local neighborhoods, U of M-Flint, and Kettering University. It would also connect to the Flint Farmer’s Market, the Flint Cultural Center Campus, and the Iron Belle Trail.
The plan includes non-motorized trails, playscapes, accessible open spaces, fishing opportunities, and canoe and kayak launches. The estimated cost is $26.2 million and would be paid for with money from the federally funded American Recovery Plan.
If approved, the park would be Michigan’s 104th State Park and Genesee County’s first. Flint was identified as lacking a “signature park” in the 2021 DNR Public Land Strategy report.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
New Laws Strengthen School Bus Safety
School bus safety is at the heart of several new bills signed into law this week. House bills 4201 and 4203 prohibit anyone to board a school bus without permission from the driver. They establish a $500 civil fine for stepping onto the bus without authorization.
State Representative Jack O’Malley, who sponsored the bill, said, “We have made the school buildings safer. These bills now bring focus on the weakest link, the school bus. We will have better enforcement of those who ignore the stop arm. Also, the boarding with permission brings the respect our drivers need while keeping our kids safe.”
House Bills 4202 and 4204 allow school buses to have a stop-arm camera system and to be able to use evidence from the cameras to show drivers failing to stop for busses with their red lights flashing.
State Representative Tyrone Carter, the bills’ sponsor, said, “These bills prioritize student safety. I am grateful for the bipartisan support in empowering our students.”
Drivers are required to stop for busses with red lights flashing and remain completely stopped until the lights stop flashing.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Belle Isle Aquarium Reopens July 16
The Belle Isle Aquarium is reopening after an extensive closure. The Aquarium will open at 10:00 a.m. on July 16th.
The Aquarium, located on Belle Isle, a Michigan State Park in Detroit, has been closed for sixteen months. The Aquarium has undergone $1.2 million in renovations, taking advantage of the forced closure due to COVID to make some much-needed upgrades. The renovations set the stage for future generations to learn about aquatic life and enjoy the beautiful setting.
Opened in 1904, the Belle Isle Aquarium is an architectural wonder, designed by Albert Kahn. It is the oldest aquarium in the country.
Visiting the Aquarium is free, but donations are gladly accepted. Visitors will need a State Parks pass to enter the island.
The Aquarium improvements include “enhancing the quality of the visitor experience, upgrading exhibits, stabilizing critical life support systems, and modernizing behind the scenes infrastructure” according to their announcement.
The Aquarium is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland