Michigan Gets $1.5M in Great Lakes Restoration Grants

(LANSING, Mich.) -- More than $1.5 million in Great Lakes restoration grant funds have been awarded to local communities and organizations across Michigan, the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Monday.

The funds were granted through the USDA Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which has an action plan that calls for the cleaning of toxics and toxic hot spot areas of concern, elimination of invasive species, restoration of wetlands and other habitats, protection of watersheds from polluted runoff, and the tracking of progress, education and work with strategic partners.

A release from the DNR says that more than $3.7 million in grant funds were awarded to seven Great Lakes states, with Michigan receiving the largest share.

"The health of Michigan's forests depends on these types of programs and funding," chief of the DNR's Forest Management Division, Lynne Boyd, said in a statement. "We are excited, once again, to help make Michigan a leader in the Great Lakes region on reforestation and redevelopment."

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DNR Awards $600,000 in Grants Under Recreation Passport Program

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Monday it has awarded $600,000 in grants to be shared among 24 community parks and recreation facilities across the state.

The funds were generated after a successful inaugural year of the DNR's Recreation Passport, an initiative designed to replace motor vehicle permits for entry into state parks, recreation areas, and state-administered boat launches.

According to a statement from the DNR, the 24 cities, counties, and townships selected to receive the grants excelled in demonstrating projects designed to provide people more opportunities to maintain an active lifestyle.

"Healthy families and vibrant communities are essential to Michigan's future," said Gov. Rick Snyder. "These grants help to provide residents with more opportunities to stay active while enjoying the outdoors. They also make communities more desirable places for families to live, work and play. This program is a great example of a state and local partnership that enhances the overall quality of life that we all enjoy."

The grants will go to the following communities: Arcadia Township, Belvidere Township, Coldsprings Township, Detroit, East Lansing, Eaton Rapids, Escanaba Township, Flushing Township, Grand Rapids (two), Ironwood, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Norwood Township, Owosso, Portage Township (three), Riverview, Sherman Township, Springport Village, Sturgis, Three Rivers, and Unadilla Township.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Mich. Native Mitt Romney Has Advantage in Oakland University Debate

(LANSING, Mich.) -- As the son of former Michigan Gov. George Romney, Michigan native Mitt Romney is expected to stand out Wednesday at the Oakland University GOP presidential debate.

Romney has reportedly received more cash from Michigan donors than any other candidate, including President Obama. According to campaign finance reports, Romney has received $1,030,020 from Michigan donors.

The Oakland University debate will be hosted by CNBC and the Michigan Republican Party.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Research Assistants Ask Commission to Reconsider Status Ruling

(ANN ARBOR, Mich.) -- University of Michigan graduate student research assistants have asked the Michigan Employment Relations Commission to reconsider an August ruling that said research assistants are students, not employees, and therefore cannot unionize.

The UM Board of Regents voted 6-2 to recognize the GSRAs as employees, but the commission upheld a 1981 ruling which categorizes them as students.

The research assistants want the commission to reconsider because they argue that the research they perform for the school helps the university receive funding. In addition, the GSRAs say they receive pay and benefits just like employees.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

State Education Dept. Prepares Schools for New Test Standards

(LANSING, Mich.) -- On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Education released data on past standardized test cut scores using the new score system adopted in September.

The department said comparing the data will help educators prepare students for the new standards, which will be tougher. Cut scores are the passing scores in the state's standardized tests.

"These data will provide educators, parents and communities with a more accurate understanding of what student achievement would have been if the new cut scores had been in place during the past four years," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. "These retro-scores can serve as a tool to guide instruction, professional development, and student support."

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio