The ‘Fix on I-196′ Starts Soon

A new barrier, three new bridges, and added lanes are the planned improvements for I-196 in downtown Grand Rapids from roughly Ottawa to College avenues.

Preliminary work has already started on the $40 million project, with construction beginning in April. Unlike the S-Curve project a few years, ago, I-196 will not be completely closed to traffic. Local traffic will have access and MDOT is making assurances that Grand Rapids will be “open for business” during the project. By August of 2010 the roads will be open to thru-traffic. The S-Curve was fully closed for nine months; this project will involve partial closure for five months.

Information sessions and public meetings will happen in early 2010. But for now you can learn more from the project  Web site. You can also keep up to date on the project by following MDOT on Twitter and by viewing video news releases on their You Tube channel.

MDOT wants to make sure all aspects of this project are communicated not just in Grand Rapids, but to residents throughout the region who use that stretch of busy highway. WMSA is happy to help spread the word, and we encourage you to do the same. The project will be a short-term minor inconvenience but by next fall MDOT assures us we will have an improved  ride and view as we travel through West Michigan’s largest city.

Turbines on Lake Michigan Depends on Wind Study

As part of its Green Infrastructure initiative, WMSA has worked to support collaborative efforts to develop alternative fuels and energy in West Michigan. One of those efforts is the development of wind turbines, which would be both a new business opportunity and a move toward greener energy.

However, such development takes time. As Greg Northrup points out in his comment in recent coverage, before placing wind turbines offshore  on Lake Michigan it is important to be certain that they will be productive in terms of energy supply for the region.

You can read more in the Capitol News Service report carried  in the Great Lakes Echo blog (the story was also carried in several newspapers from West Michigan, including the Traverse City Record Eagle.

Long term, alternative energy innovation must be balanced with preserving the unique and highly valued aesthetics of West Michigan’s natural environment, Northrup said. WMSA will continue to seek collaborative ideas in keeping with one of the organization’s original priorities: to ensure a sustainable environment.

 

 

Farmers: Please Give Input

We are seeking input from West Michigan farmers in an online survey. The survey is a continuation of the West Michigan agriculture study described in the previous post. The study was also heralded in a Grand Rapids Press editorial November 19 as a valuable tool to guide farm policy in Kent County and West Michigan.

Input from farmers will be useful to gain an even better understanding of agriculture in West Michigan and to inform policy decisions about farmland and agriculture practices. Please take the survey and encourage farmers in the region who you know to do the same.

West Michigan Agriculture Report Released

More than 70 people attended this morning’ release of a new report called West Michigan Agriculture: The Status and Conditions. Those in attendance came from local and county government, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and of course farms and agricultural businesses. The report is a study of agriculture data in West Michigan as a region and in each of its eight counties and shows that agriculture is a $1.6 billion business in the region. The report is the work of the Land Policy Institute (LPI) at Michigan State University in collaboration with the West Michigan Strategic Alliance.

After some brief introductions from President Greg Northrup about the report and its connections to WMSA’s Green Infrastructure Initiative, LPI’s Melissa Gibson gave a presentation and  overview of the report. Comments and questions from those in attendance ranged from getting township level data, social justice concerns for farm workers, and the growing importance of smaller farms and urban markets.

You can read a news release summary and the full report on WMSA’s Web site.

The report is considered a baseline. WMSA and LPI hope to get more input to talk about next steps to plan in order to ensure that agriculture remains a viable business in West Michigan. To help with that, please spread the word about an online survey of West Michigan farmers.

Look for updates here and on the WMSA Web site

Melissa Gibson of LPI presents the West Michigan Agriculture report..

 

 

Saugatuck Dunes A Regional Asset

WMSA was happy to read the recent editorial in the Grand Rapids Press about the dune property in Saugatuck where the Kalamazoo River flows into Lake Michigan. The property is currently privately owned. When it changed hands a few years ago, area citizens began trying to acquire at least a portion of this land to be preserved as public land. 

Recently, as the editorial points out, there is a new chance for a deal between advocates of public land and the current owner. But the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is being asked to provide $12.6 million of the $20 million needed to purchase 171 acres for public ownership.

WMSA agrees with the Press that this is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” We would add that it is more than a Saugatuck issue. WMSA maintains on this and many issues that thinking as a region benefits us all. We stressed this a year ago in a letter of support to David Swan of the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance:

“The environmental assets in our region are inextricably linked to our quality of life and economic prosperity, yet rapid population growth and fragmented decision making can jeopardize this natural order. We believe it is essential from a regional perspective, to approach opportunities such as the protection of the former Denison property. This is not simply a Saugatuck area issue, nor a Lakeshore issue – this is a critical issue that impacts all the residents who call West Michigan home.”

Seizing this opportunity will go a long way toward WMSA efforts at both regional collaboration and maintaining our green infrastructure. We encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to recognize this opportunity.

 

 

Regional Indicators 2010 Event

You may have heard about WMSA’s Regional Indicators  initiative and the “Vital Signs” reports produced to compare West Michigan to other regions around the country. 

If you haven’t done so before, you are invited to have input on this process as the work for the 2010 “Vital Signs” report begins. 

WMSA will be hosting a work session October 29 to discuss indicators  and targets for achievement to measure the region. We hope you can attend and provide your valuable input.

Report on Recycling in West Michigan

WMSA has just released a report on recycling in West Michigan. You can also read a news release about the report.

Generally speaking, communities across the region have good programs. One problem identified was small businesses left out of curbside programs. Also, residents are not always fully aware of programs and how they work. Participation could be higher.

One recommendation in the report is to work towards a regional recycling program to encourage greater participation and more cost savings for municipalities. What are your thoughts?

Intern Olympics

Internships are supposed to be an opportunity to gain professional work experience. But work can also be fun and social.

That was the idea  behind a recent Intern Olympics event that brought interns from West Michigan together to meet each other and area professionals. You can read more in the Southeast Advance article about the event.

Students and employers can also learn more about internships at the WMSA Internship Initiative page.

Chicago Tribune Loves Grand Rapids

West Michigan residents often refer to the region as a “best kept secret.” But increasingly the secret is out.

A few years ago, a reporter on the staff of the Boston Globe was in Grand Rapids for a wedding and was so impressed she wrote a glowing review of the city. Other cities and venues in the region from the lakeshore east have received positive national exposure in recent years as well.

The latest positive press for the region came in the Chicago Tribune this week in an article that praises Grand Rapids as a “relaxed urban getaway.” Read it. It will make you glad you live in the region!

Clean Transportation Awards Nominations Accepted

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Michigan Clean Transportation Awards. Nominations are due by September 7 and can be made in 10 categories. 

WMSA is hoping this year’s winners will represent West Michigan well!