[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by Bluefly

This might have been a good idea in 1890 when canals were all the rage. With trains and trucks, shipping isn't that big a part of the Great Lakes economy. Most of the shipping is minerals taken out of the Great Lakes region and most easily transported via the Great Lakes. Plus, where's the water coming from to fill the canal? Drain the lakes?

The ecological cost, in an era when quality of life trumps mere financial return and it is critical that we create the most pristine ecosystem we can to attract and retain business, would be astounding.
The low tax idea is just conventional Republicanism. Problem is that they've tried countless empowerment zones where taxes are slashed and delayed to try to spur development. It hardly ever works - and certainly hasn't in Detroit.

Perhaps wise investments in quality of life would be smarter. Tear down highways, build mass transit, increase walkability, invest in quality open space and clean beaches. As people have the flexibilty to live wherever they want, most in the educated creative class are turning to cities that have focused on quality of life. Michigan sold its soul to automobile development and is now paying a hefty price.

As one example, New Yorkers pay some of the highest taxes in the country, yet most are happy to because they perceive it as a quality ROI.

Okay, good point. The environment is something to think about. I don't want to drain the Great Lakes. I just think there is something in Michigan that could help it economically.

[topshop]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

One minor hole. It would cost about $300 trillion to build a canal wide enough straight enough and deep enough for major shipping. then there is themaintenance cost of a billion or so a year. But the concept is good. If it were practical, it would be wonderful.

Several hundred million for the canal...

$299 trillion plus for the EPA and politician palm greasing.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by topshop

Several hundred million for the canal...

$299 trillion plus for the EPA and politician palm greasing.

Then the DEQ would stop it anyhow. LOL LOL LOL

[Cliffie]

But I like the concept. It's bold; it's outside the box. If more people would think more like this, in terms of what we MIGHT do and how it would benefit the state, we could maybe get away from the piddling little stuff about permits and how it's not practical. For one thing, we're about to get a new president and one thing I know for sure: you never know what he's going to do until the guy gets into office.

[Bluefly]

It is a bold idea and the kind of thinking this area needs. I feel like Michigan could try to keep up and, in the end, become a place that's "Not as bad as you think", or it could use its dire situation to take chances and potentially become a leader in bold new concepts of economics and urban design.

You know where the canal idea has been proposed, albeit on a smaller scale? Detroit.

There was a vision a few years back called Adamah, which was to turn the wastelands of inner city Detroit into cohesive urban agricultural lands. Farm fields next to urban lofts and coffee shops. Couldn't happen anywhere else. One of the proposed ideas was to build a canal through the city to ship produce including seafood out.

[michmoldman]

I am not sure about the canal, probably use it as a way to make people pay when they have to cross the bridge that spans the canal and keeping people from traveling here.
I don't think the automakers will make it too much longer, so I am hoping we could fill the empty plants by building wind turbines, or maybe something like that.

[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by Bluefly

It is a bold idea and the kind of thinking this area needs. I feel like Michigan could try to keep up and, in the end, become a place that's "Not as bad as you think", or it could use its dire situation to take chances and potentially become a leader in bold new concepts of economics and urban design.

You know where the canal idea has been proposed, albeit on a smaller scale? Detroit.

There was a vision a few years back called Adamah, which was to turn the wastelands of inner city Detroit into cohesive urban agricultural lands. Farm fields next to urban lofts and coffee shops. Couldn't happen anywhere else. One of the proposed ideas was to build a canal through the city to ship produce including seafood out.

Which would also create jobs!!!! I love it!

[ocean2026]

Coldjensens has it right there's a minor hole in your big hole idea which makes the whole concept rather absurd.

While we are on absurd ideas and because you're a pirate, why not have Michigan pass a law that it is illegal to relocate to another state. Then use your pirate ship,sail to Florida round them all up -confiscate their cash and jewelry (booty) and bring them to Justice. Michigan courts can give them the option of 15 years in the pen or 2 years in Detroit. Unfortunately this would cause an uproar as it would exacerbate Michigan's already overcrowded prison system. lol

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by ocean2026

coldjensens has it right there's a minor hole in your big hole idea which makes the whole concept rather absurd.

While we are on absurd ideas and because you're a pirate, why not have michigan pass a law that it is illegal to relocate to another state. Then use your pirate ship,sail to florida round them all up -confiscate their cash and jewelry (booty) and bring them to justice. Michigan courts can give them the option of 15 years in the pen or 2 years in detroit. Unfortunately this would cause an uproar as it would exacerbate michigan's already overcrowded prison system. Lol

lol lol lol

[walls]

"quality of life" is what exactly? your vision...or mine. Free markets and a right to work state are a beginning to my idea of "quality of life"........Others helping themselves to the fruits of my labor or my neighbors labor in the name of "educated"..... "creative" compassion sounds more like tyranny than any quality of life I can imagine.