Michigan

CHICAGO – Delta Institute has been awarded a grant of $200,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in recognition of the success of its Lake Michigan Forum and Lake Michigan Watershed Academy.  Announced today by Susan Hedman, U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Manager, this grant will enable Delta Institute to continue its 10 years of work with a broad range of stakeholders in the Lake Michigan basin to implement a Lakewide Management Plan.

To learn more about the program, visit the Michigan Saves website.

Delta's Redevelopment Institute (Delta REDI) has a four-year grant from U.S. EPA to examine new reuse opportunities for brownfield sites in weak market communities. The project will also advance existing research on greener cleanups and produce user-friendly educational materials for local stakeholders.

In October 2010, the project entered its third year, when Delta REDI will focus its efforts on three Michigan communities: Benton Harbor, Muskegon, and Lansing. Delta REDI's staff will engage with a diverse group of stakeholders there over a two-year period to identify and leverage the most promising green economy opportunities in each community. Read more about Delta's work on brownfields.

Michigan Saves launched the Home Energy Loan Program in September 2010 to streamline the financing and logistical process for energy-saving home improvements in Michigan. The program was developed through a partnership between the Delta Institute and Public Sector Consultants with funding from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The program provides an easy and affordable way to lower utility bills while reducing pollution and creating jobs by providing: (a) unsecured, personal loans and quality-assured services to homeowners; (b) business and jobs to contractors; and (c) a secure loan loss reserve fund for lenders. Similar programs for small businesses and non-profit organizations are under development.