Funding from a $77 million dollar settlement with Dow Chemical Company is helping cover a number of nature restoration projects in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. Public comment on the projects is now open.
Projects covered by the settlement include restoration of thousands of acres of wetlands, the creation of multiple public nature areas, fish spawning and passage improvements, and expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The restoration plan was developed by state, federal and tribal representatives. It aims to "compensate the public for losses to natural resources" from dioxin pollution from Dow’s Midland plant.
The settlement also offers $10 million for long-term monitoring of restoration projects.
The 16 projects are open for public review. Public comment will close March 27.
