For More Information:
Richard Hobrla, 517-284-5043, hobrlar@michigan.gov
Rachel Cromell, 517-284-5047, cromellr@michigan.gov
Richard Hobrla, 517-284-5043, hobrlar@michigan.gov
Rachel Cromell, 517-284-5047, cromellr@michigan.gov
The DEQ’s Office of the Great Lakes today awarded more than $179,000 to support local organizations committed to restoring historically contaminated lakes and rivers.
The funding is dedicated to monitoring and restoring Areas of Concern, which are federally designated bodies of water that have suffered environmental degradation from industrial and municipal pollution. Each Area of Concern’s recovery is guided by a local organization called a Public Advisory Council.
The Public Advisory Councils will use the funds to help their communities implement restoration activities, sample and monitor waters, hold community meetings, and conduct education and outreach activities to keep citizens informed and engaged in watershed stewardship.
The Office of the Great Lakes will support nine Public Advisory Councils with a total of $179,068 in grants:
- Kalamazoo River Watershed Public Advisory Council – $16,105
- The City of Monroe – $9,550
- Menominee Conservation District – $9,462
- Alliance of Rouge Communities – $29, 945
- West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission – $21,586
- Clinton River Watershed Council – $26,462
- Bay County – $25,000
- Friends of the St. Clair River – $18,890
- Friends of the Detroit River – $22,068
The funds come from the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“We look forward to working closely with our local partners through the Public Advisory Councils,” Office of the Great Lakes Director Jon W. Allan said. “We appreciate their hard work in restoring polluted waterways, and continue to seek progress in returning these lakes and rivers to their natural state.”
For additional information about the Areas of Concern Program, visit www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677_15430—,00.html
The DEQ is dedicated to respect for Michigan’s citizens, stewardship of the environment, and support for a sustainable economy.