Monthly Archives: April 2016

Blooming flowers and warmer weather signal the start of outdoor projects. Homeowners, contractors and excavators are reminded to contact MISS DIG 811 at 8-1-1 or ww.missdig811.org before digging so underground utilities can be marked. “Digging activities have started strong again this year, and we have experienced a number of utility damages from homeowners who did not contact MISS DIG 811 before putting their shovels or equipment in the ground,” said Charles Crews, vice president of gas operations for Consumers Energy. “That’s why the Dig Safely partners continue sharing the important ‘Know What’s Below: 811 Before You Dig’ message to help ensure safe digging around underground utilities. Our goal is simple: zero damages and enhanced public safety as a result.”

A $74.5 million plan by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to help homeowners statewide avoid foreclosure and eliminate blight in Detroit and Flint has been approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury under its Hardest Hit Fund program, Gov. Rick Snyder announced today.

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a National Dislocated Worker Grant for up to $15 million to the Michigan Strategic Fund to assist with humanitarian and recovery efforts resulting from the contaminated water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Of the $15 million announced today, $7.5 million will be released initially to provide temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the recovery work, as well as to offer these individuals career and training services to help them find permanent work. Additional funding, up to the amount approved, will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has issued formal notice to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors' and Premiers' Regional Body and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Resources Council to voice his concerns regarding the city of Waukesha, Wisconsin’s request to divert 10.1 million gallons of water per day from the Great Lakes basin

Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Sylvester Jones, of Flint, to the Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Committee. The 17-member committee is making recommendations regarding the health and welfare of people exposed to lead, studying Flint’s water infrastructure and determining potential upgrades, reviewing Flint Water Task Force recommendations, and establishing ways to improve communication between local and state government