The Department of Environmental Quality announced today the award of 10 Waterfront Redevelopment Grants totaling $777,371 to support projects that revitalize waterfronts, create economic benefit for communities, and provide waterfront access for the public.

"The DEQ is excited to partner with these 10 communities in working to make local waterfronts more attractive and a destination spot for residents and visitors," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

The following communities were awarded grants:

*  Benton Harbor - Riverfront Fisherman's Park - $85,950
*  Charlevoix - East Park Site Furnishings - $25,321
*  Sault Ste. Marie - Restoration of Historic Weather Bureau Building -
   $100,000
*  Gladstone - Phase I, Harbor Point Project - $75,000
*  Port Austin - Veterans Waterfront Park Improvements - $100,000
*  Oscoda Township - River Bank Park Enhancements - $55,350
*  Tawas City - Tawas City Downtown Redevelopment - $60,000
*  Muskegon Heights - Mona Lake Park Development - $100,000
*  Three Rivers - Scidmore Park Trail Development - $100,000
*  Saline - Mill Pond Park Waterfront Development - $75,750

The Clean Michigan Initiative Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program has funded 62 grant projects in 47 communities, totaling almost $50 million.

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 July 10, 2008 by Pat Watson