The University of Michigan's plans for a Los Alamos National Laboratory site in Ypsilanti Township are in flux, with the Textile Road location seemingly off the table. University of Michigan regent Paul Brown, speaking for himself, declared the Textile Road site 'dead' due to local opposition, waterway and green space concerns, and a lack of appropriate space for the high-performance computing facility. This leaves the Willow Run site as the sole remaining option, but the university is not yet close to making a final decision. Brown emphasizes the need for due diligence and public information before choosing a site, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental concerns and public opposition. The Willow Run site, once a World War II-era bomber plant, is now the American Center for Mobility, a proving ground for autonomous vehicles. However, the site faces financial pressures, with the state demanding repayment of grants and loans, and potential environmental liabilities, including hazardous and liquid industrial waste. The university's interest in acquiring the site is uncertain, and the future of the Los Alamos project hangs in the balance. The decision must consider the complex interplay of financial, environmental, and community factors, with the university's responsibility to provide public information and address concerns.
