For Friday, July 13, 2018

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1- DTE Energy is proposing the largest electric vehicle charging infrastructure pilot in the Midwest.

The utility made the plan in a rate case to the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Some Michigan environmental groups say it would be a positive step.

The DTE Energy Charging Forward proposal includes:

• $13 million over three years for investments in residential, commercial and fleet charging infrastructure
• Rebates to support about 32 “fast” chargers, 1,000 Level 2 commercial chargers and 2,600 home smart chargers
• A Customer education and outreach program.

Potential electric vehicle customers are locked out of the market because they live in apartment buildings that don’t have a place to plug in, according to Natural Resources Defense Council, which says DTE’s pilot program would add charging stations where they are sorely needed.

A report commissioned by Charge Up Midwest – a partnership of environmental and clean energy organizations – found that expanding electric vehicles could save Michigan families, drivers and electricity customers billions of dollars over the next three decades.

2 – A new livery at Sanford Lake Park in Midland County will include kayaks and canoes for rent, along with storage and safety equipment.

The livery at the park recently received a $5,000 grant from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network. The new livery will include several “fishing”-style kayaks that allow anglers to access parts of this lake known for “spectacular” fishing opportunities.

The Saginaw Bay Watershed Ijnitiative Network is funded by area foundations and provides financial support to sustainability projects that link the economic, environmental and social needs of the region. The Midland Area Community Foundation also has donated $25,000.

Sanford Lake is a man-made reservoir formed by the damming of the Tittabawassee River near the town of Sanford.

Sanford Lake Park is located on the west side of the lake near the dam. The park is maintained by Midland County and has boat ramps, a sandy beach area, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and a concession stand.

On a typical summer weekend, attendance at the park can approach 4,000 people per day.

3 – Beakers, Brushes & Boats is the name of a new day camp being put on by BaySail and the Saginaw Bay Community Sailing Association.

The two groups, along with Studio 23/The Arts Center in downtown Bay City, will hold the new STEAM day camp next week for third through fifth graders.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

BaySail operates two schooners out of Bay City.

Students at the STEAM day camp will spend mornings learning about local waterways through hands-on science lessons and experiments.

Afterwards, campers will unwind through the creation of water-related art.

They’ll also sail aboard a small “daysailer” with an adult skipper and aboard the larger Appledore IV with a professional crew.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 9:30 a.m. Fridays in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR. Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes