Michigan's top 3 universities pour $300M into water research

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Michigan's top 3 universities pour $300M into water research

Michigan's three largest public universities are using the water resources of the state and the Great Lakes region as a tool for research and promoting economic development, according to a report to be unveiled today on Mackinac Island.

To be presented before Michigan's leaders at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference, the report details how Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University accounted for nearly $300 million in water research, education and outreach over five years.

The research of the three universities — an alliance known as the University Research Corridor — has included addressing invasive species, monitoring water quality and optimizing water for agriculture.

Additionally, every year the three universities produce more than 3,400 graduates who are prepared for careers in water-related issues in academia, government and the private sector, with nearly 40 percent of the graduates earning advanced degrees.

"The state of Michigan is surrounded by water but within it are scientist researchers who are using very sophisticated techniques to understand health and safety to impact the day-to-day lives of people," MSU President Lou Anna Simon said by phone as she was preparing to board the ferry to Mackinac Island. "Michigan is an international leader in water and water-based research."

The report was prepared by the East Lansing-based Anderson Economic Group, which also has analyzed the URC's impact on other sectors of the state, including autos, information technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and alternative energy.

Michigan ranks fourth in the nation in the percentage of jobs linked to water-related industries, the report showed.

One in five Michigan jobs is tied to having an abundant source of good water, said Patrick Anderson, CEO of the Anderson Economic Group.

"It is an important economic driver in Michigan, and extends to Great Lakes shipping, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and fishing and over 80 other industry subsectors where Michigan workers are employed today," Anderson said.

The URC's primary impact is on the Great Lakes region but it also has a global reach. It is important to protect and promote these water resources, leaders say.

"We are fortunate to be surrounded by the greatest body of fresh water in the world, with a fifth of the world's freshwater supply at our fingertips," said WSU President M. Roy Wilson. "The URC is working hard to make sure that water is an economic resource not only for today but for future generations of Michigan residents."

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