Stormwater

Residential rain gardens may seem like a small component of environmental sustainability. We’re learning just how big of an impact they make in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan. A brand new, interactive mapping tool shows where many of the residential rain gardens are and the amount of stormwater they collectively capture. Learn more in this conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Susan Bryan, the Rain Garden Coordinator for the Washtenaw County Water Resources Office.

Some areas of Washtenaw County received nearly five inches of rain in a short, three-hour period on Wednesday, August 23rd. The aftermath is still being assessed and addressed. In some areas, it could take months. Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Evan Pratt joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss storm response and what was learned.

As the new session in Lansing gets underway, Democrats find themselves in control of both chambers of the Legislature for the first time in 40 years. Governor Gretchen Whitmer sees that as a path forward on a number of issues. The governor joins WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, to lay out her priorities for the next two years.

As the new session in Lansing gets underway, Democrats find themselves in control of both chambers of the Legislature for the first time in 40 years. Governor Gretchen Whitmer sees that as a path forward on a number of issues. The governor joins WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, to lay out her priorities for the next two years.

Work on a new stormwater management project in southeast Ann Arbor is nearing completion. WEMU’s Taylor Pinson has more.

Election Day is tomorrow, and one of the races to be decided is who will be Ann Arbor's next mayor. Incumbent Democrat Christopher Taylor speaks to WEMU's David Fair on his accomplishments as mayor and what he hopes another four years will bring to the City of Ann Arbor.

A little more than $30 million of federal funding will be spent to help areas of Washtenaw County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

Significant investments are being made to enhance the Ypsilanti area's ability to capture stormwater and add acreage to nature areas that house pollinator prairie gardens. There are seven different projects that are funded over the next two years with grant money. Harry Sheehan is the Chief Deputy Water Resources Commissioner in Washtenaw County and in charge of seeing these projects completed. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the positive impacts these enhancements will make for the environment, and the area’s quality of life.

Budget discussions are on tap when Ann Arbor City Council meets tonight. 89.1 WEMU’s Taylor Pinson has a preview.

The City of Ann Arbor has installed two stormwater culverts as part of the Allen Creek Railroad Berm Project that will help prevent floods in the future.…