Recently in Environment

Why is this a good use of taxpayers' dollars:

The funds for this project will be used to improve and expand the digester treatment system at the District 3 Treatment Plant, to produce energy and provide environmental and wastewater improvement to the Shiawassee River.  Construction of methane production facilities at the District 3 Treatment Plant to extract energy from biosolids will reduce the volume of waste generated, reduce the carbon footprint at the treatment plant, and develop a renewable energy supply.  Funding is essential to ensure the health and safety of residents in this service area, and to provide environmental protection for the area’s natural resources.  The project will also create an economic stimulus to U.S. manufacturers in the amount of $2 million for equipment and $2.5 million to the local skilled trades.

Why is this a good use of taxpayers' dollars:

Buena Vista Township is embarking on a 36-acre mixed use redevelopment project, which will become the Town Center.  When completed, the Town Center will provide 240,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 80 affordable homes and new community facilities and public spaces. 

Why is this a good use of taxpayers' dollars:

The Genesee County Drain Commission is currently operating a wastewater system constructed in 1964 with a projected capacity of 25 years. This system is failing and cannot meet projected flows. In 1998, the Commission determined that the existing system had reached its planned capacity -- and that the NERS/Kearsley Creek Interceptor (KCI) project would be required to accommodate the regional service needs and to provide infrastructure for continued economic growth and development. These funds will be used to complete construction of 27 miles (project includes 42 total miles) of sanitary sewer pipe and two pump stations that will collect local sanitary sewage and transport it to a compliant treatment facility, thereby eliminating direct discharge of sewage into surface waters, lakes or streams.

Why is this a good use of taxpayers' dollars:

The Genesee County Pump Station #1 is the largest pump station in the county, holding 60 million gallons and serving over 90 percent of county residents.  It is currently sited in the 100-year floodplain of Swartz Creek.  In 2001, the station site was flooded during a significant rain event and FEMA granted funds to make emergency repairs and recommended its relocation.  The county has acquired additional land to relocate the new pump station above the 100 year floodplain elevation.  The design has been completed and permitted by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. 

Why is this a good use of taxpayers' dollars:

The Saginaw Bay has been identified as one of the worst environmental problem areas in the Great Lakes resulting in its designation as an Area of Concern by the International Joint Commission.  Communities along the Bay continue to struggle against significant environmental and economic challenges due to the condition of the Bay.  Yet, it remains a drinking water source and recreation area for hundreds of thousands each year.  The Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative (SBCI) is a collaborative effort being developed to support innovative local approaches to enhancing resource protection and improving environmental quality of the Bay.  The federal funds will support development, coordination, facilitation and implementation of local pilot projects.