WSU receives grants for clean water and air quality initiatives

The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation has awarded two grants totaling more than $1 million to Wayne State University for projects aimed at improving water and air quality in Michigan. The Healthy Urban Waters initiative through the College of Engineering received $650,000 to accelerate development of the Huron to Erie Alliance for Research and Training (HEART) field stations that promote collaborative water research and community education in the Huron-to-Erie corridor. A second grant of $375,000 was awarded to the Transnational Environmental Law Clinic (TELC) at the Wayne State University Law School for an air quality initiative to promote community health and environmental justice by addressing sources of air pollution in the greater Detroit area. Both projects begin in the summer of 2015 and are funded for three years.

“These two projects illustrate the link between research and community that is part of the DNA of Wayne State,” said Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson. “Clean air and water should be available to everyone, and it is particularly important for industrial areas with large populations to lessen their environmental impact. We are fortunate to partner with the Erb Family Foundation to improve and protect our natural environment, and build healthier communities.”

The goals of the Healthy Urban Waters initiative and Transnational Environmental Law Clinic closely align with the values of the Erb Family Foundation. “Our mission revolves around sustainable, healthy communities and a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem,” said John M. Erb, president of the Erb Family Foundation. “We are proud to join with the College of Engineering and Wayne Law to support the dedicated research, education and outreach that will protect the Great Lakes’ natural systems and provide for cleaner air.”