Yearly Archives: 2017

Mason “For Sale By Owner” Advertising Violates Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws

he Michigan Department of Civil Rights confirmed today that it has opened a complaint against James Prater of Mason, Michigan for discriminatory advertising in the sale of a home. Posted on the lawn of Prater’s home is a “For Sale by Owner” sign and a separate sign that states “Terms, No Foreigners, Iraq Vet.” Advertising that includes discriminatory language like a statement excluding a protected class is a violation of both the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) and the federal Fair Housing Act.

Gov. Rick Snyder makes appointments to the Manufactured Housing Commission

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Margaret Burns of Detroit and Patti Schaefer of Eagle to the Manufactured Housing Commission. The commission establishes uniform policies related to all phases of manufactured housing, business manufactured housing parks, and seasonal manufactured housing parks

EPA Announces Michigan Can Forgive Flint’s Past Drinking Water Debt

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concurred with the State of Michigan’s plans to forgive $20.7 million in past Drinking Water State Revolving Fund debt owed by the City of Flint. Taking this step is in line with the May 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act signed by President Trump and will help Flint, the state, and EPA continue working together to protect public health and improve the city’s water system.

Upton Statement on Committee Passage of Legislation to Modernize Nation’s Water Infrastructure

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today released the following statement after the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced H.R. 3387, the Drinking Water System Improvement Act, by a unanimous vote

Dingell Legislation to Improve Transparency, Increase Consumer Reports on Drinking Water Approved by House...

The House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved legislation introduced by U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) to make consumer confidence reports on drinking water quality more frequent and easier for every American to understand. The legislation, which advanced as part of the Drinking Water System Improvement Act, would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to instruct large drinking water systems to issue biannual consumer confidence reports, rather than annual, and increase the effectiveness and understandability of the reports to improve transparency and help prevent future drinking water crises

Inland Lake Beach Water Quality Monitoring Grants Awarded; New testing method to be used

Seven local governments will soon be using a new, rapid testing method known as quantitative polymerase chain reaction that counts the DNA of E. coli in a water sample thanks to grants provided by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).

Gov. Rick Snyder makes appointment, reappointments to the Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Mark Jenkins of Rockford as well as the reappointments of Ronald Wheeler of Dewitt and David Worthams of Kalamazoo to the Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers.

House Approves Upton Energy Security Legislation

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, today joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in voting to advance H.R. 3050, the Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2017. Upton sponsored the bill.

Auctions for Tax-Foreclosed Properties Scheduled

More than 270 tax-foreclosed properties in eight Michigan counties will be offered at public auctions between July 31 and Aug. 28, 2017, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Gov. Rick Snyder makes appointment to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Luke Terry of Haslett to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board. The eight-member board supports MSHDA’s mission of enhancing Michigan's economic and social health through housing and community development activities.

Four Communities Earn Local Infrastructure Loans

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) announced today more than $14 million in loans to fund municipal water and sewer projects to improve water quality and public health. The loans include $700,000 in principal loan forgiveness for employing green practices or because of a disadvantaged community status.

State Waives Well Water Testing Fee for Isabella and Midland County Residents Affected by...

The State of Michigan encourages all residents with a private drinking water well that has been covered by flood water to have their well cleaned and tested to ensure the water is safe to consume. Lt. Gov. Brian Calley declared a “state of disaster” for Isabella and Midland counties Friday after severe weather and intense rain struck the counties, resulting in widespread flood damage.

Gov. Rick Snyder makes appointment, reappointments to the Manufactured Housing Commission

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Kevin Barker of Belmont as well as the reappointments of Phillip Copeland of Holly, Steven Karbal of Bloomfield Hills, and William Lettinga of Byron Center to the Manufactured Housing Commission.

Schuette Charges MDHHS Director Lyon, Four Others with Involuntary Manslaughter in Flint Water Crisis

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced that he has charged Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon, former Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Earley, former City of Flint Water Department Manager Howard Croft, as well as Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Drinking Water Chief Liane Shekter-Smith and Water Supervisor Stephen Busch with involuntary manslaughter related to their alleged failure to act in the Flint Water Crisis.

Michigan Releases Draft Plan to Improve Lake Erie Water Quality

State leaders today shared Michigan’s draft Domestic Action Plan for Lake Erie—a targeted approach for improving water quality and helping to prevent algal blooms, making it safer for people and aquatic life.

Popular

New shorelands program helps waterfront homeowners improve shorelines, inland lakes

The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership recently launched a program to help lakefront homeowners understand best practices to protect their shoreland and inland lakes. The Michigan Shoreland Stewards Program will recognize inland lake property owners who are using healthy property management practices to protect their inland lake and offer tips to improve the shoreline further.

Recent

Property for Sale: Houses for sale: Property24

Property24.com is South Africa's largest property search portal and is the first place to start your property search! Property24.com lists houses, flats, vacant land...