Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor), along with conservation organizations and community members, gathered at Bandemer Park in Ann Arbor on August 4 for a river cleanup event.
Co-hosted by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and the Huron River Watershed Council, the event was organized to celebrate local water conservation efforts recently highlighted in the state budget — which includes $50,000 allocated for Huron River water trail improvements specifically.
“Clean water is absolutely essential to the health of the people of Michigan and the health of our state,” said Sen. Shink. “With a state budget in place, now is the time to advance new laws for clean energy that reduce pollution in our air and water, while also addressing climate change.”
Sen. Shink and volunteers participated in a river cleanup event on Friday, Aug. 4, co-hosted by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, to bring attention to the importance of clean water and wins in the FY ‘24 state budget.
Michigan lawmakers place specific emphasis on conserving water and using it to strengthen community wellbeing. Having financial investment in the state budget is not only vital, but demonstrates the critical role water plays in the day-to-day lives of Michiganders.
“In Michigan, we know all too well the importance of clean water,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We are all committed to working together at every level of government to make sure those investments are reaching our communities where they are most needed. This is a basic human right and we will continue to fight to make sure every family has access to clean, safe and affordable water.”
The FY ’24 State Budget includes the following:
- $278.1 million for water infrastructure projects
- $39.3 million for remediating PFAS and emerging contaminants
- $18.2 million for acquisition and development projects around river trails and land areas
- Department of Natural Resources funding for the nine State Designated Water Trails for the first time, including $50,000 specifically allocated for the Huron River Water Trail
“Leaders like Senator Shink are ready to make it in Michigan and make it happen,” said Victoria Stewart, Advocacy and Outreach Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. During the press conference, she and Rebecca Essleman, Executive Director of the Huron River Watershed Council, commended state lawmakers who prioritize environmental issues.
Following the press conference, some 30 volunteers participated in the cleanup, emphasizing the importance of communities coming together to preserve our parks and water resources. Surely, legislative and community-oriented efforts will help sustain our environment and allow it to thrive for future generations to come.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.