SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, announces the public comment period for the Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan.This plan specifically focuses on 28 policy recommendations and actions related to protecting and restoring water resources in Southeast Michigan. It emphasizes the importance of integrated water resources management across the regional priorities of advancing the blue economy, natural resources protection and enhancement, and water infrastructure systems.View the Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan. Development of the plan included numerous stakeholder engagement sessions to gather input on priorities for Southeast Michigan’s water resources:
- Water Resources Task Force. The task force was comprised of 70 representations from local governments; state and federal agencies; and environmental, transportation, educational, and economic development groups. It met over an 18-month period providing guidance throughout plan development.
- Issue-Specific Public Forums. Three public forums focused on the blue economy, recreation, and tourism; drinking water; and water resources financing and partnerships.
- Stakeholder Planning Sessions. Four stakeholder meetings were held in Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties to ensure that input was received on a broad range of water resources issues from the region’s more rural counties.
- Pulse of the Region Surveys. Two regional surveys were conducted to receive input into the plan from residents – one on water resources and one on the region’s parks and recreation. More than 850 people responded.
The Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan will be incorporated into SEMCOG’s 2045 Regional Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan. It builds on prior regional plans, including the Water Quality Management Plan for Southeast Michigan (1999) and the Green Infrastructure Vision for Southeast Michigan(2014).SEMCOG’s efforts following plan adoption will include providing technical assistance and assessment services, as well as educational outreach and advocacy initiatives. These regional strategies will also serve as guidance for future planning and implementation efforts at the local level.Send comments to SEMCOG’s Information Center, 1001 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1400, Detroit, MI 48226-1904; call 313-324-3330; send faxes to (313) 961-4869; or e-mail infocenter@semcog.org. Comments can be made in person at the following meetings:
- Executive Committee, Friday, February 23, 1 p.m., SEMCOG offices; present, discuss, and recommend General Assembly adoption; and
- General Assembly, Thursday, March 22, 4:30 p.m. at Macomb Community College Center Campus (44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038); present, discuss, and take final action to adopt the Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan.
Source: SEMCOG