Southeast Michigan Watershed Groups Capture 19 Million Gallons of Stormwater Annually Through Green Infrastructure Projects
Over 1,500 green infrastructure projects across Southeast Michigan are currently capturing 19 million gallons of stormwater each year, according to Ric Lawson, who directs programs at the Huron River Watershed Council. These projects are implemented by the Rain Catchers Collective, a coalition representing the Clinton, Detroit, Huron, and Rouge river watersheds, serving nearly 5 million people. The collective is seeking $12.5 million in state funding to expand its residential program, establish a network of native plant suppliers, and train workers for green stormwater infrastructure projects. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments also launched a grant program this spring, utilizing $3.2 million from the EPA, to help local entities design networks capable of reducing stormwater runoff by up to 11 million gallons annually. Additionally, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department completed the Far West Stormwater Improvement Project, which redirects stormwater from over 210 acres into two basins in Ro...
