RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Announces Reclaim the Rivers, $89 Million Commitment to Clean up and Transform Detroit and Kalamazoo Rivers 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 1, 2026  

Contact: press@michigan.gov  

Governor Whitmer Announces Reclaim the Rivers, $89 Million Commitment to Clean up and Transform Detroit and Kalamazoo Rivers 

Funding will support contamination cleanup, habitat restoration, recreation access and long-term revitalization of Michigan waterways 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Reclaim the Rivers, an $89 million commitment to clean up and restore the Detroit River, Kalamazoo River and other waterways across Michigan. Led by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Reclaim the Rivers will clean up pollution, revive healthy fish and wildlife and support habitat restoration. The project will also support Michigan’s economy because healthy, thriving rivers drive tourism, boating, fishing and waterfront development in communities across the state.   

“Michigan is defined by our waterways, and it’s our responsibility to protect them,” said Governor Whitmer. “By working together, we can make lasting improvements to these rivers and create a healthier Michigan for generations to come. This investment is an opportunity to build on the progress already made and unlock the full potential of these waterways for communities across our state.” 

The commitment includes nearly $50 million dedicated to cleaning up polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Detroit River, $25 million for river restoration projects in the Kalamazoo River watershed and a strategic fund of more than $14 million for river restoration projects across the state. Investments will support sediment cleanup, expand boating access, and restore fish and wildlife habitats. 

“Reclaim the Rivers is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform two of the state’s most important waterways with a goal of achieving lasting, transformational change on both rivers by 2040,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “With these investments, we have an opportunity to address longstanding contamination while restoring the long-term health of our rivers. By working with communities and partners across the state, we can turn this investment into lasting progress for our state.” 

The Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers run through some of Michigan’s most populated communities and have been affected by decades of industrial contamination, including PCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mercury and other pollutants. Reclaim the Rivers will support projects that clean up contamination while restoring habitat, improving waterfronts, expanding boating and fishing access and enhancing parks and trails.  

“Michigan is uniquely positioned to permanently transform two of our most important rivers,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “The Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers have incredible potential for recreation, economic development, fishing and wildlife habitat, but contamination has stood in the way. These investments give us the opportunity to address that contamination while creating new ways for millions of Michiganders to safely enjoy these waterways.” 

In the Detroit River watershed, $50 million will support PCB cleanup and help attract additional public and private funding to support enhancing recreation and public access to the river. Under the bipartisan federal Great Lakes Legacy Act, Michigan can leverage state investments with a nearly 2-to-1 federal match for sediment cleanup.  

“The Detroit River is a vital artery that has pumped life into communities throughout Southeast Michigan, from Detroit to Downriver,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor). “And the Kalamazoo River has done the same in West Michigan. With today’s announcement, Michigan is committing $86 million to help transform our rivers, restore wildlife habitats, and expand recreational opportunities across our state. And I am proud to have helped secure over $1.4 billion in federal investments over the past several years for EGLE to continue doing their critical work on projects like this. I’ll keep working every day to bring home federal investments to build on these efforts, because there is nothing more important than fighting for the health, safety, and well-being of Michigan families and the environment we call home.”  

Investments will focus on completing sediment cleanup, restoring fish and wildlife habitats, expanding boating access, enhancing Belle Isle and other public lands and completing gaps in the Iron Belle Trail. The work will also support the Detroit River’s world-class walleye fishery and efforts to reduce fish consumption advisories. The Detroit riverfront already draws an estimated 3 million visitors a year and continued investment is expected to build on that momentum.  

"Over the past 25 years, Detroit has reclaimed its riverfront from centuries of industrial use to give it back to the people,” said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. “Thanks to Governor Whitmer and her administration’s leadership, now we can reclaim the river itself from the pollution that came as a result of that industrial use and help ensure this life-giving waterway is safe and clean for generations to come."  

In the Kalamazoo River watershed, $25 million from the Morrow Dam settlement will support sediment, habitat and riverfront projects, including planned dam removals and stream restoration in communities such as Allegan, Otsego, Plainwell, Swan Creek and Trowbridge. The state will also explore opportunities to expand boating access, protect land and strengthen fisheries along the river, which connects communities to destinations including Allegan State Game Area and Fort Custer State Park. 

“I’m happy to see these funds used to support river cleanup projects across the state, and particularly for the Kalamazoo River,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “I’m proud to have enacted a law that will continue to ensure that polluters are held accountable. Our natural resources are precious, and we must continue to protect and invest in them.” 

An additional fund of more than $14 million will support restoration projects across Michigan, including dam removal, stream and wetland restoration, fish and wildlife habitat improvements and efforts to reduce fish consumption advisories.  

EGLE and DNR have established joint project teams for the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers that will work with local governments, Tribes, community organizations — including Friends of the Detroit River and the Kalamazoo Watershed Council — industry, nonprofits and residents to develop short- and long-term plans for each watershed. Community input will help guide how the funding is used and identify projects that can make the greatest impact. 

To learn more, please visit https://www.michigan.gov/egle. 

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