business news

Blue Water River Walk Celebrates 10 Years With Full Moon Festivities On The St. Clair River

Join the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary on September, 15th. 

The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Ferry Dock, located at 51 Court Street, featuring live music, a bonfire, and catered food. The evening kicks off with official remarks at 6:00 p.m., followed by engaging activities including river storytelling with Andrew Kercher, live community art by Jody Parmann, and a shoreline tour with the Trailblazers. 

Since its ribbon-cutting in 2014, the River Walk has transformed a mile of industrial waterfront, investing over $6 million in environmental restoration and economic development. Sponsored by Friends of the St. Clair River, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission, the event promises a memorable celebration. 

For more information, contact: Sheri Faust at sheri@scriver.org or visit scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Opposes DTE Electric’s $456M Rate Hike, Proposes Lower Increase

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has challenged DTE Electric’s (DTE) latest proposal for a $456.4 million annual rate hike, arguing that the increase is excessive and not justified. The request, filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in March, follows a recent $368 million rate increase granted to DTE, which would result in a 10% rise in residential electricity bills.

In her testimony, Nessel recommended a more modest $139.5 million increase, which would limit residential rate hikes to approximately 2.5%. She also called for a reallocation of customer funds towards cost-effective vegetation management and tree trimming, rather than DTE’s more expensive infrastructure projects.

Nessel’s intervention in utility cases has saved Michigan consumers more than $3 billion since she took office, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to keeping energy costs affordable. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

BLAC Unveils Comprehensive 2024 Policy Recommendations To Enhance Equity Across Michigan

The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) has launched its 2024 policy recommendations, aimed at removing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity for Black families and communities throughout Michigan. 

In collaboration with Flint’s state and local leaders, BLAC’s report proposes eight pivotal reforms to advance education, community safety, pay equity, and health. Key recommendations include adopting pay transparency laws, overhauling education funding with a $6 billion boost, and addressing the shortage of Black professionals, especially in mental health care.

Kim Trent, Deputy Director of Prosperity for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping state policy. “Ensuring we have a diverse group of voices at the table is crucial for creating a more inclusive, equitable state,” she said.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Gordie Howe International Bridge Deck Complete, Celebrates New Border Crossing

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the latest milestone in the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction: the completion of the bridge deck connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. Joined by U.S. Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, the Mayor of Windsor, and senior officials, the celebration marked the bridge becoming an official border crossing.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, at 853 meters (0.53 miles), is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tenth longest worldwide. This new crossing, the first between Ontario and Michigan in over 60 years, enhances the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor. “The bridge is a symbol of Michigan-Canada friendship and effective collaboration, boosting our economies and facilitating commerce and commuting,” said Governor Whitmer.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

$1.5 Million Secured For Southeast Michigan Drinking Water Monitoring Program

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has approved $1.5 million in the State budget for the Southeast Michigan Drinking Water Monitoring Program, a significant public health initiative. This funding was secured through the persistent efforts of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp, its immediate past chairperson. 

The drinking water monitoring program is a collaborative effort among 14 municipalities and serves as an early warning system along the 80-mile Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor. This initiative includes monitors at the drinking water intakes of participating treatment plants, ensuring safe drinking water for almost half of Michigan’s population. 

The approval of this budget signifies a major step forward in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water for Southeast Michigan residents, highlighting the critical role of regional collaboration and advocacy in public health initiatives.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures SBA HUBZone Support For 28 Counties, Boosting Small Business Growth

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has secured continued Small Business Administration (SBA) support for 28 counties and census tracts through the SBA’s HUBZone program. This initiative aims to fuel small business growth in historically underutilized zones by awarding 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone businesses annually.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “The SBA’s HUBZone program will continue to support communities by connecting small business owners to federal contract dollars, creating high-skilled, good-paying jobs right here at home.”

Over the last five years, Michigan’s economic programs have helped companies in these zones announce projects expected to create over 1,800 new jobs and more than $3.5 billion in planned private investment.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell