Next Week: Join Us for the All About Water Symposium on Feb 17th!
Freshwater Future and All About Water are excited to share a space with you to join experts, peer groups and municipal officials to learn about federal dollars coming to states for water infrastructure projects. By participating you will gain valuable information about how your municipality can benefit from available federal funding to help replace lead lines, update water and wastewater treatment plants, utilize green infrastructure to prevent or reduce flooding, and more. REGISTER NOW! Thursday, February 17th, 9:30 am – noon EST.
Need Funds for Your Water Work? Join the Q&A Projects Grants Webinar on Feb 22nd
Freshwater Future has been fortunate to provide Grant Programs for grassroots community organizations for over 26 years. Learn more about our Grants Program on Tuesday, February 22nd– noon (EST). To register online, please click HERE. To register by email or phone, please contact laurie@freshwaterfuture.org, (231)348-8200. Also, visit the grant map on our website to learn more about our Grant Programs funding initiatives and HERE for our grant Request for Proposals.
Have Your Voice Heard on Michigan’s Draft Healthy Climate Plan
Michigan recently released a draft MI Healthy Climate Plan focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Public input and feedback on the plan can be submitted verbally at two remaining listening sessions:
February 14, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Focus on Environmental Justice – Register Here
Written comments can be submitted until March 14, 2022 to EGLE-ClimateSolutions@Michigan.gov.
First Nations $8-Billion Class-Action Settlement
Members of Canadian First Nations who have been affected by drinking water advisories for years will be compensated in what one chief called a “historic moment” for First Nations in Canada. Neskantaga First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, along with Tataskewyak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, started a class-action lawsuit against the federal government over long-term drinking water advisories. The agreement includes an infrastructure commitment of at least $6 billion to support access to safe drinking water on reserves and $1.5 billion in compensation to individuals deprived of clean drinking water.
Ontario Government Plans to Build New Highways Through Provincial Greenbelt
Planning for two new highways, Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass, is underway. While the provincial government claims that the highways are needed to reduce commute times through the Greater Toronto Area, conservation organizations and many local communities (including Toronto, Markham, and Vaughan) are opposed to the proposed highways. The proposed routes are through the Greenbelt and will have potential impacts on fish and wildlife habitat, water quality and will increase greenhouse gas emissions. The provincial environmental assessment process has been streamlined and there are concerns that environmental issues are not being adequately considered and addressed. Additionally, there have been concerns with the consultation process.
