We can’t pollute our greatest resource with what amounts to untreated sewage. Fish farming is sustainable and safe in better-chosen places – like urban-farming Detroit, perhaps.
Great Lakes
Posted inGuest Commentary
Don’t mess with the Great Lakes
In a surprising development, in late July a Congressional committee acted like, well, thoughtful, rational legislators. Why? Six words: Don’t mess with the Great Lakes. Here’s the story. First came behavior we’ve come to expect from the U.S. House of Represenatives. An appropriations subcommittee — which has primary responsibility for determining Great Lakes funding levels […]
Posted inMichigan Government
State leaders pledge fixes for leaky fuel tanks fund after audit finds cash diversions
LITTLE HELP?: Michigan’s effort to deal with leaking underground fuel tanks such as this one have been hamstrung by the diversion of more than $200 million in state money that was collected to address the problem. In the wake of a critical state audit, policy-makers are pledging reforms to the program to accelerate the cleanup […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
MEDICAID MESS: Despite the Michigan Senate’s refusal to vote on his proposal to expand Medicaid health services, Gov. Rick Snyder said this week he has no plans to recall the Legislature from its summer break to work on the issue. (courtesy photo) *This was not the kind of national press Gov. Rick Snyder was expecting […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
HOW DOES THIS WORK?: Michigan’s system of road safety rules, which require seat belts in autos, but not helmets on adult motorcycle riders, is confusing. (courtesy photos/used under Creative Commons license) *It is the avowed policy of the state of Michigan that: A. Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles must be belted in order to […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
5 reasons to be focused on health of Great Lakes every week
INVADERS!: The sea lamprey is just one invasive species now harming the Great Lakes – and more are on the way if unified action isn’t taken across the Great Lakes basin, argues Brunch columnist Helen Taylor. Two significant Great Lakes events happened in Michigan in the last two weeks. We should all be spreading the […]
Posted inPhil's Column
On a day once called ‘Decoration,’ thoughts on what's left behind
Phil Power is founder and chairman of the Center for Michigan. As has been our custom for years, my wife, Kathy, and I take time over Memorial Day weekend to plant geraniums on my parents’ graves. The stones are black granite, with the inscriptions sand-blasted gray in a formal Roman type face. The bright-red geraniums […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Thousands of failed septic tanks threaten Michigan’s waters
Public health sanitarian Regina Young wasn’t sure what her staff would encounter when the Barry-Eaton District Health Department clamped down on failed septic systems in 2007. IT WENT WHERE?: More than 100,000 septic systems are estimated to be malfunctioning and polluting the surrounding environment. (Bridge photo illustration/A.J. Jones) They quickly discovered more problems than anyone […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan has nation’s weakest regulations on septic systems
A WORLD OF …: This riding lawnmower was swallowed by a pit created by a failed septic system in Midland County. The state estimates that 10 percent of septic systems in Michigan – more than 130,000 – have failed. (courtesy photo/xxxx) In 2004, former Gov. Jennifer Granholm unveiled a water protection plan that called for […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
COMING DOWN?: The two observation towers in Michigan’s Irish Hills – one built out of “spite” – will be demolished in October unless preservation advocates can raise enough money to save them. (Bridge archive photo) *Historic observation platforms in Michigan’s Irish Hills, near Jackson, face the wrecking ball unless history buffs can raise the money […]