TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and several other partners are set to begin construction on what they call a landmark project that will put Traverse City on the map as a center for water innovation and a “globally relevant hub for the blue economy.”

Ground is expected to be broken on September 12 for the $28.9 million Freshwater Research and Innovation Center.

It will be on the campus of Discovery Pier in Greilickville and is a collaborative effort by Discovery Pier, NMC, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University and 20Fathoms.

According to a news release, by locating working pier space, advanced laboratories and business incubation in one place, the center is expected to serve as a home for water technology and marine mobility.

Greg Luyt, chair of the Cen

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