Unlike Silicon Valley’s ascent, which was significantly bolstered by steady public research funding—federal investment, for instance, paid 25 percent of the cost of developing the transistor—Great Lakes blue economy development is taking shape in an era of resistance to US government research outlays.
Brett Walton, Circle of Blue
A guest author for Bridge Magazine.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In Michigan, Great Lakes are a lifeblood and birthright. They’re under attack
How can states, provinces and tribal nations manage their water resources to create jobs and attract businesses without inflicting severe ecological damage?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Smoky skies that hurt lungs in Michigan in '23 likely to become more common
People in the Great Lakes region are unprepared for smoke from forest fires worsened by intense drought and heat.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Clock ticks for water utilities to join national PFAS settlements
Decision needed soon for funds to remove toxic chemicals from drinking water.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Chicago suburbs, running out of water, will tap Lake Michigan
Communities in Michigan and elsewhere in the Midwest are taking steps to guard against groundwater depletion, including some surprising places near the Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Workers in short supply as U.S. invests $1.3 trillion in infrastructure repairs
Big money is coming into Michigan, other states, but an expert says ‘the elephant in the room is: where are the workers going to come from?’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Will Michigan’s largest water provider target tiny city for next shutoffs?
Residents of Highland Park face $24 million in delinquent water bills.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Road salt, a stealthy pollutant, is damaging Michigan waters
Rivers and lakes are becoming saltier while law and practice limit effective responses.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Five fixes for Michigan’s drinking water woes
The Great Lakes News Collaborative asked state and national experts how Michigan could break the cycle of underfunding and poor decision-making that has left water systems across Michigan in sorry shape.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Feds’ $1 billion allows Michigan to renew water infrastructure affordably
Michigan is set to receive the federal infrastructure funds over the next five years, significantly boosting its lending capacity. The funds allow more communities to reinvest in essential public works without saddling residents with all the costs.