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“Reclaim the Rivers is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform two of the state’s most important waterways with a goal of achieving lasting, transformational change on both rivers by 2040,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “With these investments, we have an opportunity to address longstanding contamination while restoring the long-term health of our rivers. By working with communities and partners across the state, we can turn this investment into lasting progress for our state.”
Detroit River: $50 Million for Cleanup and Recreation
Nearly $50 million from Michigan’s $108 million Monsanto PCB settlement will support PCB remediation along the Detroit River, including sediment cleanup and fish and wildlife habitat restoration. The investment will also help attract additional industry and partner funding to advance cleanup across the river. The investment will strengthen the Detroit River as a destination for fishing, boating and outdoor recreation. Plans include improving public boating access, strengthening the river’s walleye fishery, enhancing connections to Belle Isle and Pointe Mouillee and closing gaps in the Iron Belle Trail.
“Over the past 25 years, Detroit has reclaimed its riverfront from centuries of industrial use to give it back to the people. Thanks to Governor Whitmer and her administration’s leadership, now we can reclaim the river itself from the pollution that came as a result of that industrial use and help ensure this life-giving waterway is safe and clean for generations to come.”
Kalamazoo River: $25 Million for Restoration and Community Connections
The state will invest $25 million from the Morrow Dam settlement in restoration efforts along the Kalamazoo River. The investment will support sediment and habitat restoration, dam removals and stream restoration projects in Allegan, Otsego, Plainwell, Swan Creek and Trowbridge. The investment will also expand boating access, protect land along the river corridor and support healthier fisheries following contamination cleanup. Projects will strengthen connections to nearby destinations including the Allegan State Game Area, Saugatuck Harbor and Fort Custer State Park.
Statewide River Projects: $14 Million for Restoration Across Michigan
The remaining $14 million will support river restoration projects across Michigan, including dam removals, stream and wetland restoration, fish and wildlife habitat improvements and recreation projects. Matching funds will further support recreation facilities and extend the reach of restoration efforts across the state.
“Michigan is uniquely positioned to permanently transform two of our most important rivers,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “The Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers have incredible potential for recreation, economic development, fishing and wildlife habitat, but contamination has stood in the way. These investments give us the opportunity to address that contamination while creating new ways for millions of Michiganders to safely enjoy these waterways.”
EGLE will partner with DNR, local governments, Tribal governments, community organizations, industry, nonprofits and residents to execute Reclaim the Rivers. Community input will help guide where funding is directed and which projects move forward, ensuring investments reflect the needs and priorities of the communities and waterways they are designed to serve.
Healthy rivers support opportunities for fishing, boating and outdoor recreation while contributing to tourism and waterfront development in communities across Michigan. This investment creates new momentum for that work, helping move Michigan toward cleaner water, healthier habitat and waterways that communities can enjoy for generations.
To learn more about Reclaim the Rivers, visit Michigan.gov/ReclaimTheRivers.
