The Kohler Trust for Clean Water has given the UWM Foundation $1.3 million toward construction of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences’ state-of-the-art Research Vessel Maggi Sue. This gift brings the university within $3.5 million of its goal of $20 million needed to begin the construction process.
“For decades, the Kohler name has been synonymous with progress for our state, and this gift from the Kohler Trust for Clean Water is a perfect example of innovation combined with care for our environment and our economy,” UWM Chancellor Mark Mone said. “The health of the Great Lakes affects the health of each of us and our quality of life. I am deeply grateful for this generous gift in support of our research vessel. It is partnerships like this that will allow us to protect our region’s most precious resource: fresh water.”
The Great Lakes account for 21% of the world’s and 84% of North America’s available surface fresh water, and they supply drinking water to 10% of the United States’ population and 30% of Canada’s population. The lakes provide 1.5 million jobs and draw more than 37 million anglers, boaters, hunters and bird-watchers each year, sustaining a recreation and tourism industry worth $16 billion.
;
