Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement announcing the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) has received $7.9 million to restore Michigan’s Muskegon Lake, as part of a new $40 million regional partnership to clean up several Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The work funded will likely be the final habitat restoration project necessary for the formal removal of Muskegon Lake from the list of Areas of Concern, the worst “toxic hotspots” in the region.

Funding for the Lower Muskegon River Hydrological Reconnection and Wetland Restoration Project is being provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to the GLC, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The project will reconnect former wetlands with the Muskegon River and restore fish passage and habitat for a variety of native fish and wildlife. It is anticipated that restoration will involve the removal of three dikes composed of artificial fill, including broken concrete, soil, and tree stumps. Local implementation will be led by the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission. The project is expected to increase tourism and enhance the Muskegon Lake fishery, which is estimated to contribute $1.3 million annually to the local economy.

“Our way of life in West Michigan is forever linked to the careful preservation of the Great Lakes. Programs that invest in the economic and environmental health of these treasured resources, such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, are showing real and measureable results and are something I am proud to continue to fight for," said Congressman Huizenga. "With White Lake officially delisted as an area of concern, I am encouraged and delighted to see the Great Lakes Commission collaborating with NOAA, as well as, state and local partners to address the remaining areas of concern across the Great Lakes region, beginning with Muskegon Lake. Restoring these sites will enhance recreational activities, expand economic opportunity, and build a stronger and more environmentally sound Muskegon County. In order to successfully preserve and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem for future generations, we must have continued engagement from stakeholders at every level. I look forward to being part of that discussion, and part of the solution."

“We are proud to receive this recognition of our longstanding commitment to restoring toxic hotspots across the Great Lakes and excited to continue the work of restoring Muskegon Lake,” said Tim Eder, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission. “This is the third regional partnership the Great Lakes Commission has been awarded since 2008, with over $70 million being directed to key sites across the basin. We look forward to continuing this critical work in collaboration with our federal and local partners.”

Muskegon Lake was designated a Great Lakes Area of Concern in 1985 due to ecological problems caused by industrial discharges, shoreline alterations, and the filling of open water and coastal wetlands. Since 1992, community groups, governmental and nongovernmental organizations have worked collaboratively to remove contaminated sediments, restore fish and wildlife species, and protect their habitats.