Monroe Infrastructure Tour

Dialogue Hosted by the City of Monroe

The first of six stops in the URC Infrastructure Innovation Tour. The Monroe roundtable included discussion on the impact of algal blooms on water and the direct effect on infrastructure, communities, industry and human health. The conversation touched on related water infrastructure issues, such as Lead & Copper Rule revisions and the emerging challenge of PFAS.

Launched after publishing Foundation for the Future: URC Contributions to Infrastructure Improvement, this tour is built to continue conversations about infrastructure needs, promote innovation and foster future collaboration.

Tour Coverage and Content

Researchers Speak About Water Quality During Meeting in Monroe Monroe News, 11/1/18

High Cost of Water Treatment Affecting Monroe, Toledo Blade, 11/4/18

Discussion group assembles in Monroe

Researchers, elected officials, reporters, business leaders and more assemble to explore water infrastructure issues like algae and Lead Copper Rule updates.

Water infrastructure round table

Attendees meet to discuss current research and future challenges.

Monroe infrastructure conversation

Facilitated by Dr. Affolter-Caine, researchers and experts explore challenges and needs.

Mayor Clark and Dr. Affolter-Caine

Monroe Mayor Robert Clark and URC Director Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine at the Monroe City Hall

Agenda from Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 1 p.m.

Monroe City Hall – 3^rd Floor Conference Room | 120 East First Street,  Monroe, Michigan

1:00 PM: Welcome from Monroe Mayor Robert E. Clark

WSU President Wilson Digital Welcome

1:10 PM: Presentations & Overview

URC Executive Director Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine

Presentation: Mr. Barry LaRoy, Monroe Director of Water & Wastewater Department

Presentation: Dr. Carol Miller, WSU Professor of Civil Engineering

  1:25 PM: Dialogue with participants

  2:00 PM: Event close

Speakers

Mr. Robert E. Clark, Mayor of the City of Monroe

Mayor Clark was with the Michigan State Police for 30 years, served one term as council member in Monroe and has been Mayor of Monroe since 2010.  He is a member of the Michigan Association of Mayors and serves as First Vice-Chair for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).

Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, URC Executive Director

Affolter-Caine has been with the URC for nearly six years, serving as interim director since July 2017 and as program manager since August 2012. She was previously director of talent enhancement for Ann Arbor SPARK and held positions at the Detroit Chamber of Commerce and the Brookings Institution.

Mr. Barry LaRoy, Monroe Director of Water & Wastewater Department

LaRoy has led Monroe Water directives for nearly 15 years. Current responsibilities include overall administration of Water and Wastewater Utility Departments for long term planning of City utility systems. Oversees City water and wastewater operations, facilities,collection and distribution systems. 

Dr. Carol Miller, WSU Professor of Civil Engineering

Miller chairs the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Wayne State University, and has taught there for more than 30 years. She is part of a prestigious cohort of water-quality engineers and science professionals from Michigan who are tackling issues in Flint, Detroit, and areas around the Great Lakes.