Rep. Miller: Community Foundation Revitalizes Port Huron with Blue Water River Walk Project

Harrison Township, MI – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Candice S. Miller (MI-10) attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Blue Water River Walk project in Port Huron, MI.  The Blue Water River Walk project is a public-private partnership led by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and will create a new family-and wildlife-friendly waterfront for the whole community to enjoy.  

“I congratulate the Community Foundation of St. Clair County on all their efforts to improve and sustain our natural environment along the waterfront,” Miller said.  “The completion of the Blue Water River Walk project is critical to the quality of life in the region; it will have a positive economic impact well beyond the jobs created from the restoration work itself, and will increase public access for the community to recreate, fish, and other various tourism opportunities.”

The Blue Water River Walk project is comprised of four components: the River Walk Trail, a paved path along the shoreline that will complete the 54-mile paved Bridge to Bay Trail that runs from Algonac to Lakeport with an expected completion date of summer 2013; the historic Ferry Dock, located at the north end of the river walk being renovated into a 2,500-square-foot platform and expected to be complete by summer 2013; the Fishing Pier, located at the southern end of the river walk and constructed from historic Michigan bridges with a completion date of 2014 or 2015; and the Shoreline Restoration, which includes removing debris, making it safe for residents with an expected completion date of summer 2014.

Note: The Blue Water River Walk project was recently awarded a $2 million federal grant from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the largest restoration grant awarded this year for the Great Lakes Basin.
In addition to this most recent grant, they have also received:
• $1.5 million gift of waterfront land from local philanthropist Jim Acheson.
• $250,000 grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
• $211,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
• $200,000 raised from members of the local community, including a $50,000 lead gift from First Preferred Mortgage Company/Michigan Mutual, Inc.

###