Gov. Whitmer Launches National Park Service Mobility Challenge Program | Michigan Business
Gov. Whitmer Launches National Park Service Mobility Challenge ... Michigan Economic Development Corporation
sdgtalks
The National Park Michigan Mobility Challenge
The National Park Michigan Mobility Challenge will solicit applications from mobility companies to develop solutions for four of Michigan’s National Parks
LANSING, Mich.
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the National Park Service (NPS) to launch the National Park Michigan Mobility Challenge (NPMMC). The NPMMC is a Challenge issued to the global mobility industry to identify and deploy advanced mobility and electrification technologies in and around four of Michigan’s five National Parks – Keweenaw National Historical Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, River Raisin National Battlefield Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The State anticipates this Challenge will attract industry investment and talent from across the nation while improving accessibility and sustainability within Michigan’s National Parks.
“Michigan’s five National Parks receive 2.7 million visitors every year and generate $380 million in economic benefit, supporting thousands of jobs and local economies across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “The National Park Mobility Challenge will bring together the beauty of Pure Michigan and our state’s cutting-edge mobility expertise to create safer, cleaner, and more accessible transportation infrastructure in and around our state parks. We will continue collaborating with the National Park Service to show how next generation transportation solutions can better connect residents and visitors to our beautiful state.”
The Areas of Innovations
-
Small-Scale Electric Shuttles and Automated Driving Systems (ADS)
- Multi-passenger transit services, such as small-scale electric shuttles (either human-operated or ADS-operated).
- These technologies provide visitors with a greater variety of transportation options, ease navigation in and around NPS sites, replace private motor vehicle trips, alleviate parking and roadway congestion in busy areas, improve access for persons with disabilities, and reduce the environmental impact of visitors’ travel.
-
Multimodal Electric Charging Hubs
- Integrated multimodal electric charging hubs in and around NPS gateway communities.
- With the advancement of electric mobility devices, the State and NPS will create more capacity for the public and fleet operators to charge their electric vehicles while traveling and recreating in Michigan’s great outdoors.
-
Micromobility
- Concepts that expand shared micromobility services that provide visitors with dynamic, enjoyable alternatives to motor vehicle trips.
- These technologies can facilitate both short, “last mile” trips from the campsite to the store or enable visitors without their own bikes to experience Michigan’s trails on an all-day adventure.
Successful submissions will be evaluated for implementation, including through follow-up conversations with Michigan and NPS. Grant funding is available to support the most promising innovations, affording companies the opportunity to pilot their products and services in Michigan’s world-renowned National Parks for the public’s use, benefit, and enjoyment. Piloted projects are anticipated to relieve parking lot and roadway congestion, increase the availability of charging stations for electric mobility devices, or offer access to convenient alternatives to private motor vehicle travel. NPS and the State will evaluate these pilot projects to help inform possible long-term deployments of similar technologies in recreational settings throughout the State, as well as at National Parks in other states.
“This Challenge is an unparalleled opportunity for Michigan’s brightest mobility-makers to pilot, demonstrate, and evaluate solutions that address some of the critical transportation challenges that visitors to Michigan’s National Parks face,” said Kathryn Snorrason, Interim Chief Mobility Officer of the State of Michigan. “We are proud to build on our first-of-its-kind partnership with the NPS to further drive innovation, travel, and a strong mobility future for Michigan’s residents and visitors alike.”
Those interested in submitting a challenge proposal can visit this link. An informational webinar on NPMMC will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 6. Learn more and register here.
This Challenge builds on a pre-existing partnership between NPS and Michigan to improve access at National Parks using mobility technologies. Governor Gretchen Whitmer first announced the partnership in 2022 with the goal of collaborating on implementing safe, innovative
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the National Park Michigan Mobility Challenge, which aims to identify and deploy advanced mobility and electrification technologies in Michigan’s National Parks. This initiative aligns with SDG 9, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. It also relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the article mentions the MI Healthy Climate Plan and the MI Future Mobility Plan, both of which contribute to SDG 13’s goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
- SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article highlights the need to develop advanced mobility and electrification technologies in Michigan’s National Parks. This aligns with SDG 9.1, which focuses on developing sustainable infrastructure. The goal is to provide visitors with safer, cleaner, and more accessible transportation options, reducing the environmental impact of travel. This connects to SDG 11.2, which aims to provide access to sustainable transport systems for all. Additionally, the article mentions the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which integrates climate change measures into policies and planning, contributing to SDG 13.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of advanced mobility and electrification technologies deployed in Michigan’s National Parks
- Reduction in private motor vehicle trips and parking/roadway congestion in NPS sites
- Increase in the availability of charging stations for electric mobility devices
- Number of shared micromobility services implemented
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in National Parks
The article mentions the deployment of advanced mobility and electrification technologies in Michigan’s National Parks as a measure to improve accessibility and sustainability. The reduction in private motor vehicle trips and parking/roadway congestion, as well as the increase in charging station availability, can be indicators of progress towards the targets. The implementation of shared micromobility services can also be measured. Additionally, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in National Parks can serve as an indicator of the environmental impact of the initiatives.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | – Number of advanced mobility and electrification technologies deployed in Michigan’s National Parks |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all | – Reduction in private motor vehicle trips and parking/roadway congestion in NPS sites – Increase in the availability of charging stations for electric mobility devices – Number of shared micromobility services implemented |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in National Parks |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: michiganbusiness.org
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
