The EPA has awarded a grant of just over $1 million to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for two projects to clean up Ox Creek.
EGLE Great Lakes Senior Advisor and Strategist Emily Finnell tells us one project will be at Hall Park in Benton Harbor and involve the construction of a rain garden and supporting infrastructure. The other will be a rain garden in Benton Township, in the general area of the Orchards Mall.
She says the city of Benton Harbor has been the instigator of the Ox Creek restoration effort.
“The are both important project’s that are part of a larger effort that the city began undertaking in 2021 after their city commission passed a unanimous resolution in support of prioritizing Ox Creek restoration and revitalization,” Finnell said.
Finnell says more grants for both Hall Park and Ox Creek are being pursued so the waterway can be restored to what it once was.
“This really is a place where residents have gathered for many generations. It’s a really beloved water resource where they’ve spent time with family. So, there are great memories of this great water resource for fishing and swimming and lots of family gathering.”
A celebration of the $1 million grant was to be held Saturday at Hall Park with a check presentation and local officials on hand.
