MMRMA ELECTRONIC NEWS DIGEST

October 11, 1999

Here’s What’s New -

> JACKSON COUNTY EYES "SMART PARK" DEVELOPMENT
> MUSKEGON COUNTY TAKES TOUGH STAND ON PAPER MILL WASTEWATER
> SAGINAW TWP. TURNS DOWN THE VOLUME ON NOISE POLLUTION
> WEXFORD COUNTY CONSIDERS NEW $7 MILLION JAIL

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STATE AID SOUGHT FOR JACKSON COUNTY "SMART PARK"

A 1,000-acre state-owned site on the north side of Jackson is the focus of a plan to ask the State of Michigan to help Jackson County attract high tech companies to a so-called "smart park" for business. The Engler administration wants to develop an image of Michigan as one of the technologically advanced states in the country.

As a "smart park," the site would be wired for high-speed data transmission, including fiber-optic cables and possibly satellite links. Local promoters also believe Jackson’s location between two major state universities would be attractive to companies involved in research and development work.

This fall the Michigan Economic Development Corp. plans to ask the Legislature to allow tax increment financing to help build such parks. A portion of state taxes on new development at the parks would be collected to help finance improvements such as roads and water and sewer.

For more information, please see:
http://ja.mlive.com/news/index.ssf?/news/stories/19991007smartpar.frm 


MUSKEGON COUNTY NIXES WASTEWATER PROPOSALS FROM PAPER MILL

The Muskegon County Board of Public Works has turned down three requests from its largest wastewater customer on issues aimed at capping fees paid for sewage services. 

Sappi Fine Papers is the largest user of wastewater treatment services in Muskegon County. The company’s paper mill employs 120 workers. It contributes more than half the wastewater system's liquid volume and uses more than half its capacity to treat oxygen-depleting wastes called biochemical oxygen demand, or B.O.D.

The company put forth three proposals aimed at capping fees and future costs associated with wastewater treatment. The company will have to invest $30 million to bring the plant into compliance with environmental laws and regulations, or close the mill.

For more information, please see:
http://mu.mlive.com/news/index.ssf?/news/stories/19991008pulpfa$01.frm  


BOOM BOXES TO BOOM LESS IN SAGINAW TOWNSHIP

Saginaw Township has lowered the boom on loud music. A new ordinance will let car stereo blasters off on a first conviction with a ticket and a fine, but repeat offenders could face jail time. 

The new rules, enacted by the Saginaw Township Board of Trustees will let officers ticket loud music listeners if the police can hear a stereo from 50 feet away. A judge could impose jail time - and another fine, up to $500 - after a second offense.

For more information, please see:
http://sa.mlive.com/news/index.ssf?/news/stories/19990928sttwplaws.frm 


WEXFORD COUNTY CONSIDERS NEW JAIL - COST PEGGED AT $7 MILLION

A new "no frills" jail is under consideration in Wexford County. The preliminary price tag for the new facility is $7 million. County administrator Tim Dolehanty says he’s not surprised by the figure.

The new jail would include 28 dorm-style, low-security beds, 14 maximum-security single cells, and 30 medium-security, double-bunk cells. Separate facilities for men and women could be more easily maintained in the new jail.

Due to lack of bed space in the existing jail, Wexford County now spends about $15,000 a month to house inmates in other counties. 

For more information, please see:
http://www.cadillacnews.com/cgi-bin/LiveIQue.acgi$rec=8837?CDNsearch  


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