For Friday, Jan. 12, 2024

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1 – Saginaw Valley State University will construct an environmental research station near Lake Huron.

The $10 million research station will be built in Bangor Township on the west side of the Saginaw River near Saginaw Bay on property owned by Dow. 

The state will contribute $7.5 million and SVSU will contribute $2.5 million. 

The university says the facility will build on relationships in the region, including a history of partnering with the Bay County Health Department to test water quality at public beaches and with state and federal agencies on watershed improvement efforts. 

The research station also will provide a learning lab for SVSU students and faculty. 

Construction on the 10,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin in fall 2025. 

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2 - More than $20 million will be granted for renewable energy and electrification projects in Michigan. 

The state Public Service Commission has developed a $21.3 million grant program for businesses, nonprofits and local governments as part of Michigan’s Healthy Climate Plan. 

The plan is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition the state toward a carbon-neutral economy. 

The deadline for proposals is Feb. 21. 

The money can be used for planning, developing, designing, acquiring or constructing renewable energy and electrification infrastructure projects. That includes facilities for the fast-charging of electric vehicles. 

Officials say grants will be awarded in September. 

3 – It’s not too soon for college students to make summer plans. 

The Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research has announced its 2024 Great Lakes Summer Fellows Program in partnership with the federal Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab.

The program exposes students to a broad range of STEM disciplines by providing hands-on research training and career development mentoring.

Ten full-time, 12-week positions are offered, with options for remote, hybrid and in-person in Ann Arbor. 

Fellowships run from May 13-Aug. 2 and include a $10,000 stipend along with additional travel funding for students residing outside of southeast Michigan. 

For more information, search online for the CIGLR 2024 Great Lakes Summer Fellows Program. 

– 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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