Federal, state, and local officials all gathered at Lake Michigan College this past week for a summit on Ox Creek.
The effort to revitalize the creek that runs from US-31 to the Paw Paw River has been underway for a few years now with more than $7 million so far secured in grants.
On hand for the summit Wednesday was Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director Phil Roos, who told us it’s remarkable how many partners have come together to restore Ox Creek.
“After all the years of contamination, neglect, environmental injustices, the community finally decided we’re going to take this thing back,” Roos said.
Speakers at the summit included representatives of Senator Gary Peters and Congressman Bill Huizenga, city and township leaders, the Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation, and the Environmental Protection Agency. A panel discussion also explored what community members value when it comes to revitalizing the waterway. Among the suggestions was using the creek as an educational opportunity for students.
Roos says EGLE will be involved once a community plan for Ox Creek has been finalized.
“The community will lead this. We provided support for the strategic plan, the implementation plan. We’re going to continue to see that through. We brought resources to bear to make that possible, and then we’ll see. Once the plan is adopted here in the near future, I’m sure there will be steps along the way where we’ll be able to step in and be helpful.”
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission has been working with local governments on that plan. The ultimate goal is to not only to protect Lake Michigan water quality with a cleaner creek, but to create opportunities for recreation.
You can learn more about plans for Ox Creek right here.
