Grants: Agriculture/Pollution Prevention

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Huron Area Technical Center – Small Wind Generator Program

June 2009

This project involves the development of a new educational facility at the Huron Area Technical Center that
is focused on small, residential-scale wind turbine evaluation, construction and maintenance. This “trades”
based program is the only one in the state that is focused on residential wind turbines. HATC has formed a
partnership with Delta College, which is in the process of building a curriculum focused on commercial and
industrial wind turbines. WIN funding will assist in the purchase of two wind turbines for the facility, one of a
“horizontal” style, and another of a newer “vertical” style.

Practical Planning for Michigan’s Bio-Energy Crop Production

November 2007

This project, sponsored by Michigan State University Extension, developed two demonstration sites for bioenergy crops in Saginaw and Isabella counties. Additionally, the project produced printed materials that discussed the next phase of bioenergy production (after corn/ethanol, experts believe that the next energy production techniques will be from cellulosic ethanol). Finally, the grant privided support for conferences and travel to begin building the capacity and expertise of Extension and other resources professional to ensure their ability to support those in the agricultural industry that begin to diversify their crops toward energy production.

Birch Run Bio-diesel Project

May 2007

This project assisted the Birch Run Area School District with an innovative bio-diesel manufacturing program. Designed to produce more than 100 gallons of bio-diesel per week, the district’s students will convert waste vegetable oil from the school district and area restaurants into fuel for the district’s bus fleet. The project will promote recycling, as well as foster learning in chemistry, engineering, and entrepreneurship. According to the district, several other school systems in Michigan have converted a portion of their bus fleet to bio-diesel, but Birch Run would be the first district to actually manufacture the fuel on site.

Low-intensity Tillage and Slurry Seeding Demonstration

May 2007

This project, proposed by MSU Extension, developed a 15 acre demonstration site for evaluating a new innovative slurry seeding process for establishing oil seed radish and oriental mustard after wheat in a sugar been rotation. The project seeks to demonstrate a process that will protect the environment and reclaim productivity of currently less-productive beet ground. The goals of the projected included a reduction in tillage intesity in sugar beet rotations, the use of biosuppressive cover crops for disease and insect control, and the use of organic inputs such as livestock manure to enhance microbial activity in the soil.

Port Austin Farmers Market

May 2006

This project focused on strengthening the economic and tourism sectors of the community of Port Austin by requesting WIN investment in their new Farmers Market. The proposed sought funding to purchase umbrellas, tents, advertising, and traffic control toosl to help expand the market and to provide for ta more customer friendly experience.

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