The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced the funding of more than $2 million in grants to develop new markets for end-of-life vehicle tires. When illegal dumping in the environment occurs, scrap tires pose both a fire hazard and a human health risk as a mosquito breeding ground.

These end-of-life tire grants support building sustainable markets for recycled tire materials in Michigan. Grants have traditionally included support for essential equipment and materials that aid in the establishment of new markets, including various manufacturing processes, implementation and testing of paving materials, energy generation, and other innovative approaches.

These grants contribute to a more sustainable business model for the scrap tire industry through increased market opportunities for scrap tire processors, end users, and manufacturers.

Some of the funding will go to projects in Mid-Michigan. Michigan Technological University will work with the Saginaw County Road Commission to rehabilitate 2 miles of Dixie Highway using a recycled rubber asphalt overlay. Close to $419,000 from the state will fund the project. MTU also will collaborate with the Bay County Road Commission. It will use more than $482,000 to pave a 1 mile section of Midland Road in Bay County. The project will involve dry-process rubber technology.

EGLE said the Bay County Road Commission will use more than $208,000 to expand the use of rubber-modified chip seals on 16 lane miles.

To learn more about the projects, click here.