Michigan communities invest millions in their rivers. Will it bring returns?

Michigan communities are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in river restoration, betting on both environmental and economic payoffs. Along the Lower Rouge River in southeast Michigan, a kayaking event highlighted how far the waterway has come from historic pollution levels. The state recently announced $89 million to clean up the Detroit, Kalamazoo and other rivers. Cities such as Battle Creek and Grand Rapids are pursuing projects like renaturalizing parts of the Kalamazoo and restoring downtown rapids on the Grand River, while a state park is planned around Flint’s riverfront. Supporters cite studies predicting multi-dollar returns per dollar invested, though some projects lack formal cost-benefit analyses.