For Friday, Oct. 13, 2023

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1 – Coal is old, solar is new in Bay County’s Hampton Township. 

Consumers Energy says it’s building an 85-megawatt solar array at two former coal-fired power units that closed earlier this year along Saginaw Bay.

A Consumers vice president says solar emerged as the best option for the site, based on future use studies and input from local stakeholders.

The project is in its early stages right now. 

Consumers is working with community members, neighbors and local leaders to design “a responsible project that fits with the community and continues the path toward renewable generation.”

The project aims to be online by 2026, providing enough power for about 20,000 homes. 

Local and county governments and school districts also will receive millions of dollars in tax revenue over a 30-year period. 

The old plants, Karn 1 and 2, closed in June. Consumers still has Karn 3 and 4, which run on natural gas and oil. 

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2 – The Resilient Coastal Projects Initiative is expanding to the Lake Huron shoreline. 

Also included is the Lake Erie shoreline of Ohio and the Lake Superior shoreline in Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

The initiative is a $2 million effort by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a group of U.S. and Canadian mayors. 

They’re looking to partner with about 25 communities on the three lakes. 

Selected communities will receive technical expertise and planning support to advance coastal projects. 

Cities interested in participating are encouraged to reach out via GLSLCities.org. 

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3 – Middle and high school educators also are encouraged to apply for grants for Teaching Great Lakes Literacy.

The program is put on by the Center for Great Lakes Literacy, supported by Michigan Sea Grant and other organizations. 

Teaching Great Lakes Literacy connects math, science and other educators with scientists to create and pilot lessons centered around lake-focused topics and issues. 

This year’s cohort is focused on research in the Lake Huron watershed.

The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 16.

Go online to CGLL.org for more information. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard on Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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