St. Clair County

Michigan Secures $129.1 Million EPA Grant For Renewable Energy Expansion

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive $129.1 million from the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, funded by the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. This investment aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and storage, helping Michigan meet its clean energy standards of 60% renewable energy and 100% clean energy.

“Michigan is committed to leading the future of clean energy to reduce utility costs, create good-paying jobs, and grow our economy,” Whitmer stated. The funds will support the Renewables Ready Communities Program, which incentivizes local renewable energy projects and overcomes siting barriers.

Senator Gary Peters highlighted the impact of this investment on reducing energy costs and safeguarding Michigan’s environment, emphasizing the significance of the Inflation Reduction Act in bolstering the state’s clean energy economy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance Hosts Inaugural Clean Cruise EV Festival

On Saturday, August 3rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance (MEVA), in partnership with Moms Clean Air Force, EDF Action, Sierra Club, and Tesla Owners Club, will host the inaugural Clean Cruise EV Festival in Downtown Ferndale. The event aims to promote sustainable transportation and will bring together Michigan elected officials, EV industry leaders, and climate advocates.

Amy Rogghe, MEVA’s Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the pivotal role of electric vehicles in addressing environmental and economic challenges. Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) also voiced her support, emphasizing the importance of clean air for future generations.

The festival will showcase a variety of electric vehicles, offer educational presentations, and feature activities for families, including an EV cruise on Woodward Avenue at 3:00pm.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Submit Your Photos For The 2025 Blue Water Area Calendar

Calling all photographers! The Blue Water Area Calendar is returning for 2025, and submissions are now open. 

Capture the beauty of the Blue Water Area, from Lexington to Algonac, and submit your best shots for a chance to be featured. Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome, with artistic shots encouraged.

Each photo should highlight recognizable landmarks, events, or people in the area (no kids or pets). Submit up to five clear, high-quality JPEGs without resizing.

Email your entries to artontheriverph@gmail.com by September 1st. Selected photos will be announced on September 19th. Proceeds from the calendar will support Art on the River, an annual art and music festival.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Michigan Makes Strides In Tackling Housing Shortage

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced significant progress in addressing Michigan’s housing shortage. Thanks to state investments, federal resources, and robust private development, Michigan has built or rehabilitated 50,000 housing units, reducing the statewide shortage from 190,000 units to 141,000 units.

“Our record investments have provided tens of thousands more Michiganders with safe, affordable homes,” said Governor Whitmer. “With our partners, we are making historic investments to expand housing supply, reduce costs, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.”

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has set a five-year housing goal, recently increased by 53%. CEO Amy Hovey highlighted the progress and emphasized the need for continued investment to meet growing demands.

Projections indicate Michigan will add 20,000 housing units annually through 2026, potentially increasing with sustained investment. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Issues Swimming Advisories For Six Beaches

UPDATE: ALL SWIMMING ADVISORIES HAVE BEEN LIFTED

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued swimming advisories for six beaches due to elevated E. coli levels. The affected beaches are Chrysler Beach in Marysville, Holland Beach, Lakeside Beach, Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron, and Keewahdin Beach and Fort Gratiot County Park Beach in Fort Gratiot.

E. coli, a common bacteria indicating fecal contamination, can increase after storms or strong winds due to storm water runoff and wave activity. The SCCHD will collect water samples until E. coli levels meet state guidelines.

Updates are available on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website at egle.state.mi.us/beach.

For more information, contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Adoptee Advocates Of Michigan At Blue Water Festival

Join the Adoptee Advocates of Michigan at the Blue Water Festival in Port Huron, where they will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Bayview Mackinac Race. The festival runs from July 18th to 19th with 80 art vendors and various festivities. Visit Booth #86, located at the intersection of McMorran and Huron Street near the food trucks.

The Adoptee Advocates of Michigan will be educating the public about the Adoptee Citizenship Act 2024, how it affects the rights of international adoptees and the challenges Michigan-born adoptees face in accessing vital information. 

Connect with fellow adoptees and learn more about available resources on July 18th from 4 to 9 p.m. and July 19th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell