TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Discovery Pier (DP) will finalize the articles of incorporation for The Freshwater Center, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to managing and owning the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, at a ceremony set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Discovery Pier in Greilickville.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in realizing the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, which aims to catalyze growth in the blue economy sector, creating high-value, year-round jobs in sensor development, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and other areas related to freshwater and marine technologies.
The Freshwater Center will manage the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, a 40,000 square ft research and innovation facility situated on 17 acres owned by DP. It will house research initiatives, start-ups, small businesses, water-related organizations, and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
The partnership’s key stakeholders include Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms, and Michigan Technological University (MTU). Together, these partners are committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic development in the region. The State of Michigan has allocated $15 million towards the project, and total secured funding stands at $22.7 million. Scheduled to break ground in fall 2025, the total investment required for the dockside learning center and the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center is estimated at $31.5 million.
The newly-formed nonprofit corporation will have a nine-seat board of directors, comprising representatives from NMC, DP, Traverse Connect, MTU, 20Fathoms, and two at-large members. This diverse board will ensure comprehensive oversight and strategic direction for the center. NMC and DP will maintain necessary reserved powers over key financial and operational decisions.
The center’s activities will also enhance NMC’s water-related educational programs, reinforcing its role as a national leader in freshwater education. NMC’s Board of Trustees has authorized a $3 million commitment to the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, matching DP’s $3 million commitment. This investment will be funded through NMC’s housing reserves, strategic fund reserves, and Hagerty Center reserves.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for our community and region. The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will not only advance freshwater research and innovation but also provide significant economic and educational benefits,” said Northwestern Michigan College President Nick Nissley.
Discovery Pier CEO Matt McDonough said, “The Great Lakes face a myriad of challenges from PFAS, invasive species, climate impacts and more. Advancements in better technology and a skilled workforce are needed to understand and address these challenges. The Freshwater Center will be a place where new technologies are developed and a skilled workforce is trained to do that.
Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, added, “The Freshwater Center is poised to establish Northern Michigan as a key player in the global blue economy, attracting businesses, talent, and investment to our region.”
With the articles of incorporation finalized, the focus now shifts to completing the Discovery Pier renovations and preparing for construction of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Construction bids will be awarded in December 2024, with construction set to start in fall 2025. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
Release date: August 26, 2024
For more information:
Jason Slade
NMC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
jslade@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1995 (office ) || (248) 318 3038 (cell)
Matt McDonough
Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Pier
Matt@discoverypier.org
(231) 409-4285