The Traverse City Freshwater Research & Innovation Center - a collaborative project of Discovery Center & Pier, 20Fathoms, Michigan Technological University, Northwestern Michigan College, and Traverse Connect - will receive $15 million under Michigan's 2024 budget passed by the legislature Wednesday, which now heads to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for expected approval.

The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center will "establish the Grand Traverse region as a global hub for applied freshwater innovation, offering research, education, commercialization, new business incubation, and startup acceleration programs," according to a release from the project partners. "Housing the Research & Innovation Center on the geographic epicenter of the Great Lakes will establish Michigan’s role as a leader in the freshwater blue economy."

The $15 million will be used to launch the first phase of the center's facility housing research, lab, and business incubation space, "as well as the completion of Discovery Pier, which will provide dockage for research and education vessels and a four-season marine technology classroom and laboratory," according to the release. "The research and development of freshwater technology - combined with private sector investment, incubation, and acceleration of startup companies - will generate significant return on investment from regional and state economic growth, the formation of new advanced technology businesses, and the creation of high-paying scientific, technical, and professional jobs for Michigan."

Discovery Center & Pier CEO Matt McDonough said that "this level of support from our local legislators and the governor is really remarkable. The state’s investment gets us significantly to our goal for the center’s first and main facility, which will get us up and running." According to Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect, "by co-locating research, education and commercialization partners, this new facility will generate tremendous opportunity for job creation, business development, and economic growth."

The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center also received $1.6 million in federal funding earlier this year.