TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College and Discovery Pier 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.

The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center 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, according to a release. 

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.

 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.