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Reclaim the Rivers

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Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Reclaim the Rivers

The Reclaim the Rivers grant program is a statewide initiative led by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This project focuses on removing contamination, restoring habitat, and expanding recreation opportunities for Michigan residents. This effort builds on decades of clean-up work completed by state, federal, local, Tribal and private partners.

The project commits $89 million in state funds and expects to leverage significant contributions from federal and private sources to permanently clean up and transform some of Michigan’s most iconic rivers.

 Read the full press release: Governor Whitmer Announces Reclaim the Rivers, $89 Million Commitment to Clean up and Transform Detroit and Kalamazoo Rivers

  • person performing a river clean up with a net and waders

    Funding

    Michigan is allocating $89 million in settlement funds:

    • $50 million dedicated to cleaning up contaminated sediment while enhancing habitat and public access in the Detroit River,
    • $25 million for river restoration and fish and wildlife habitat projects in the Kalamazoo River watershed, and
    • $14+ million for strategic river restoration projects across the state.

    EGLE and DNR have formed joint project teams for both the Detroit and Kalamazoo River watersheds. The teams will coordinate restoration work and community engagement working with federal partners, local governments, Tribes, community groups, industry, nonprofits and residents to shape restoration plans and leverage funds to maximize impact.

  • family wading through a river while carrying bags for cleanup

    Project goals

    Spending settlement dollars in these areas will:

    • Remediate legacy contamination from PCBs and other pollutants.
    • Expand access to waterways for recreation such as boating, fishing, swimming, and other waterfront activities.
    • Restore habitat and improve fish and wildlife health and viability.
    • Reduce fish consumption advisories with removal of contaminated sediment.
    • Support vibrant communities and economic development through environmental cleanups and increased access to riverfront recreation.

Contact us

For questions about the Reclaim the Rivers program, email Gillian Gainsley at GainsleyG@Michigan.gov or Patrick Mohney at MohneyP@Michigan.gov.

To share this page, use Michigan.gov/ReclaimTheRivers

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    Stay informed

    Join this email list for periodic updates about the project and community engagement opportunities.