U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., left, talks with recent Bay College water program graduate Collin Arnt in the college’s Water Lab. Peters stopped in Escanaba on Tuesday as part of his annual statewide motorcycle tour. (Daily Press photo)

By BRIAN ROWELL

Daily News

ESCANABA — U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich. rolled into Escanaba as part of his annual motorcycle tour across Michigan. He visited Bay College’s Water Lab, part of the school’s Water Resource Management Program and Water Technology Program, and talked about the importance of training the state’s workforce.

“We want to thank Senator Peters for visiting Bay College during his U.P. tour and taking the opportunity to learn about what Bay College is doing within their water program to support Michigan’s workforce,” said Dr. Nerita Hughes, Bay College president.

While taking Peters on a tour of the lab Tuesday, Bay College Vice President of Business, Technology, Allied Health, & Workforce Development Cindy Gallagher explained how Bay’s water program has changed to meet the needs of students and the water treatment profession.

In addition to traditional students, Gallagher said Bay also serves people who are already in the water treatment profession. Many are in need of additional certification, and Bay is helping them do that.

“Bay College’s water programs continue to support water and wastewater operations around the State of Michigan through flexible, competency based trainings and coursework. We were thrilled to have Sen. Peters on campus and make him aware of our ability to impact Michigan’s workforce,” said Gallagher.

Peters commented that Bay’s water program is unique. “There really isn’t another program like it in Michigan,” he said.

Peters praised Bay for its water program and said he hoped graduates would stay in Michigan.

“There is a growing need in our state for workers that have the technical training in water management and technologies, and Bay College is answering the call,” he said. “These skills training programs are not only creating a pipeline of qualified workers to our water sector, but helping to protect our Great Lakes and ensure Michiganders have clean drinking water.”

Peters mentioned that he has been appointed to the U.S. Senate’s Appropriations Committee, the first time a Michigan senator has served on the committee since 1959.

“I’ll keep fighting to boost federal support for workforce development initiatives like those here at Bay College to keep Michigan competitive in the 21st century economy,” Peters said.