Echo
Michigan cuts investment in brownfield redevelopment
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Despite attracting $14.4 billion in investments for developing contaminated properties the past 11 years, Michigan’s brownfield redevelopment program faces a cut.
Echo
New Michigan state parks permit brings in more cars, money
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Michigan residents are paying less for yearly passes to state parks but the program has generated more funds than in prior years.
Michigan Recreation Passports, available at the Secretary of State for the past year, now allow almost 2 million vehicles access to all Michigan state parks.
Echo
Michigan farmers markets stretch food dollars for poor
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Michigan residents on food assistance are doubling their purchasing power at farmers markets in a program that encourages healthier eating while supporting farmers.
Echo
Renewable energy powers up Michigan manufacturing
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Michigan companies have hopped on the renewable energy bandwagon, which some state officials and company executives say is reviving the state’s manufacturing industry.
Wildlife
Economic fallout from deer bait ban continues three years later
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In 2008, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission prohibited hunters from baiting deer.
Some three years later northeast Michigan residents still blame a ban on deer baiting for harming the local economy.
Echo
Sharing Michigan wind royalties may ease local opposition
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Energy companies that want more Michigan wind farms have come up with a solution to placate neighboring property owners: sharing some of the cold hard cash they generate.
Echo
Great Lakes offshore wind development stalled in Michigan Legislature
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A year after state energy experts recommended developing offshore wind energy in the Great Lakes, lawmakers have not passed legislation needed to implement it.
Recreation
Michigan lawmaker seeks to sink ships to raise tourism revenue
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By PAIGE HOUPT
Capital News Service
LANSING- Some lawmakers want to sink ships, aircrafts and cement structures in the Great Lakes to spur Michigan tourist revenue. Some tourism officials question if the expensive and lengthy process of cleaning and sinking a vessel or aircraft will provide enough economic revenue. Others are concerned about environmental impacts. But with nearly 10,000 shipwrecks at the bottom of the Great Lakes, recreational diving is already a popular activity in the state. “Recreational diving tourism is a huge tax revenue source in other states such as Florida and California,” said Rep. Greg MacMaster, R-Kewadin.
Waste
Bill would ease restriction on landfills, raising concerns of contamination
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Under proposed legislation, some Michigan landfills would only need one instead of two liners to keep them from contaminating the environment.
Echo
Spotlight shines on women lighthouse keepers
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The most visible legacy of Michigan’s lighthouse heritage is in the buildings preserved along the coast — among them the Whitefish Point Light Station on Lake Superior, Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Leelanau State Park and Big Sable Point.