November 2, 2006

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm joined Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today to announce that she has nominated the Kawkawlin River Watershed Project to receive funding under the federal Targeted Watershed Grant Program. The proposed $750,000 project, developed in support of the DEQ's Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative, is designed to reduce E. coli, sedimentation, and nutrient levels in the Kawkawlin River and will serve as a model partnership effort to address environmental concerns in a watershed.

"We are committed to improving both the quality and vitality of Saginaw Bay," said Governor Granholm. "This initiative will improve the quality of our water and beaches, expand tourism, and create a renewed vision for this community."

The project was proposed by the Bay County Drain Commissioner and will result in significant progress toward restoring the Kawkawlin River watershed and Saginaw Bay. Restoration goals for the river include implementing low-impact development practices in developing areas of the watershed which will help in protecting and restoring the natural river channel habitat and floodplain.

"We made a commitment to this community that we would work with them to achieve our shared goal of restoring Saginaw Bay," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "This proposal, as part of the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative, will provide for a cleaner environment and enhanced recreational opportunities for this area."

The federal Targeted Watershed Grant Program promotes successful community-based approaches and management techniques to protect and restore the nation's waters. The Kawkawlin River Project is based on a watershed management plan developed by local residents and stakeholders, and is one of five projects nominated by Michigan for federal consideration. The U.S. EPA plans to award up to $16 million to as many as 20 projects nationwide.

The projects by the Michigan DEQ are:

Project Name                                      Organization

Kawkawlin River Watershed Project        Bay County Drain
                                                           Commissioner

Earth Keepers                                      Superior Watershed Partnership

Salmon Trout Watershed Project            Superior Watershed Partnership

High-Impact Targeting of Conservation     MSU - Institute of Water
BMPs in Two St. Joseph River                Research
Sub-Watersheds: Demonstrating
Water Quality Improvements in the
Rocky River and Paw Paw River
Watersheds

Implementing Water Quality and             MacombCounty
Quantity Improvements as Part of
the Clinton River Initiative

Michigan's NPS Pollution Control Program provides grant opportunities to local units of government and nonprofit organizations for water quality improvement projects and watershed management planning efforts on an annual basis. More information on Michigan's Nonpoint Source Program is available on the internet at www.michigan.gov/deqnps.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised November 2, 2006 by Pat Watson