FRESHWATER REALITY –Officials and guests turn the first layer of dirt on Lake Superior State University’s $13.2-million Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) on July 20 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Slated for completion by summer 2020, CFRE is actually two undertakings in one.A new 17,500 square-foot building will bear the name of Center benefactors Richard and Theresa Barch, and will anchor community, educational and research activities. LSSU’s existing Aquatic Research Laboratory (ARL) will remain open while being significantly renovated and expanded into a dedicated hatchery. From left is LSSU President Rodney Hanley; Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Tony Bosbous; Tom Gorenflo of the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority; CFRE Director Ashley Moerke; ARL Lab Manager Roger Greil; major CFRE project backersRichard and Theresa Barch; CFRE childrens’ engagement benefactor Constance Baker; Assistant Director of Research Kevin Kapuscinski; LSSU President Emeritus Peter Mitchell; Cloverland Electrical Cooperative President and CEO Dan Dasho; Congressman Jack Bergman, State Senator Wayne Schmidt; SmithGroup JJR CFRE Senior Project Manager Patrick Westerland; and Dick Posthumus, Chief of Staff for Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder. Stay informed with project details and further updates. (LSSU/John Shibley)
Read the pre-ceremony press release and press kit.