Earth Day in Detroit

by: jcherry

Thu Apr 23, 2009 at 08:20:51 AM EDT

Yesterday, for Earth Day, I announced the "Green Jobs for Blue Waters Initiative" to target opportunities for economic growth and environmental protection centered around our most precious resource: water. By developing new technologies to conserve water here in Michigan, we can export those technologies around the globe to places where water is far more scarce: helping Michigan's economy and global environmental protection. Michigan can, and will be the place where the water technologies of the future are developed, thanks to our access to the Great Lakes, university research, water management experience, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and our strong history of environmental stewardship. We can create the same sort of dynamic based around a Blue Water Economy that we've started to build in alternative energy here, with component manufacturers and researchers flocking to set up shop here in Michigan, diversifying our economy, creating jobs, and helping our environment.

The Next Wave - Michigan's Blue Water Economy

by: jcherry

Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 13:30:57 PM EST

I come to this discussion today, obviously, as the Lieutenant Governor of THE Great Lakes state and as the immediate past chair of the Great Lakes Commission.  

But just as importantly, underlying all that, is the personal connection I feel to Michigan’s water and woods. As an upland hunter and person who enjoys spending time on the water, I understand the attraction that our amazing natural resources have to people all across the Midwest.  I  recognize the tremendous impact that Michigan’s water has on the course of their lives and our local economies.

So it is important today, as we focus on big ideas and broad concepts, that we also remain mindful of the profound impact our work and discussions can have on a family, a town, or one tiny stretch of pristine beach somewhere on our shoreline.  

Tuesday in Sault Ste. Marie

by: jcherry

Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 10:33:11 AM EDT

The Locks, which are operated by the Army Corp of Engineers, are themselves one of the issues facing the Great Lakes.   Although the original locks were built in 1855, the current four locks (the Davis Lock, the Sabin Lock, the MacArthur Lock, and the Poe Lock were constructed in stages stretching from 1915 to 1968.  Only one of the Locks, the Poe Lock, is wide enough to handle the widest of modern ships.  Given today's concern with homeland security, it is critical that there be at least two locks capable of handling these wider ships.  Consequently there is an active proposal to replace the Davis and Sabin Locks with a completely new, wider lock.  Senator Carl Levin has championed that cause but with the war in Iraq funding is at a premium, it seems we cannot afford to secure the homeland.  

Monday in Bay City

by: jcherry

Thu Jul 17, 2008 at 11:23:01 AM EDT

Bay City's location, near the mouth of the Saginaw River as it flows into Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay, made it an early center for lumbering, milling, and shipbuilding.  A number of enterprising settlers amassed great fortunes in those industries, and even today the City is characterized by mansions that still stand from that bygone era.

Today, Bay City is a community of festivals.  River Roar, the 4th of July Fireworks, St. Stan's Polish Festival, the Pig Gig Rib Roast, and the River of Time fill the summer calendar.  The City has reinforced all of that with an intensive effort at Riverfront Development.  Veterans Memorial Park and Wenona Park bookend both sides of the Saginaw River.  Private investors have renovated dozens of store fronts creating restaurants, coffee shops, taverns, antique stores, and boutique retail shops.  There are new condominium developments and a city marina along the waterfront.  City Hall and County Government are located in historical architecture, and downtown boasts the Bay County Historical Museum and a planetarium.

Protecting the Great Lakes: Day 1

by: jcherry

Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 07:52:38 AM EDT

Our lakes are not only a beautiful treasure, but are also a key component of Michigan's - and the Midwest's - economy.   Our lakes provide recreation, jobs, drinking water, food, commercial navigation and water resources that help sustain industries and utilities.

Additionally, tourism in Michigan thrives along the water's edge.  Both Michiganders and our friends from out of state flock to the bountiful waters of our 5 Great Lakes and more than 11,000 inland lakes to relax and enjoy the natural beauty our State has to offer.