Seattle resident Kristen Kozak fly fishes in the water during Huron River Day on July 14. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has backed $3.33 million in projects aimed at reducing phosphorous and E. coli levels in the Huron River.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
The board voted unanimously Wednesday to back a total of $3.33 million in bonds at the request of the county’s Water Resources Commissioner Evan Pratt.
The bonds will be used to fund projects requested by the city of Ann Arbor.
Three of the projects are along Allen Creek, while two are along the Huron River.
Allen Creek watershed:
- $435,000 bond to design and construct storm water control measures in drains on Fourth Avenue between Huron and Liberty streets in Ann Arbor
- $1.56 million bond to design and construct storm water control measures in drains on Madison Avenue between S. Seventh Street and Main Street in Ann Arbor
- $575,000 bond to design and construct storm water control measures in drains on South Forest Avenue from S. University Street to Hill Street
Huron River watershed:
- $465,000 bond to design and construct rain gardens in Ann Arbor
- $700,000 bond to plant trees in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is in the midst of building a rain garden at the intersection of First and Kingsley streets. Designs for a public art installation at the rain garden were recently announced.
All five of the bond projects will be funded through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s clean water revolving funds low-interest loan program.
The bonds are eligible for loan forgiveness that would reduce the obligation payment to about $1.5 million, Pratt said.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.