Peters, Stabenow Announce $4.8 Million for Stony Island Habitat Restoration

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is awarding $4,828,635 to restore habitats on islands in the lower part of the Detroit River, part of the Friends of the Detroit River Stony Island Habitat Restoration Project. In addition to this funding, Senators Peters and Stabenow announced $2.3 million in funding this past February to restore fish and wildlife habitats in the Stony Island upper bay. Senator Stabenow is Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force and Senator Peters is a member.

“I applaud this investment in habitat restoration for the Detroit River, which will result in major positive recreational and economic impacts for Michiganders,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Great Lakes Task Force. “Commitment to the preservation of our waterways will restore the health and beauty of this critical ecosystem, while creating jobs and promoting our state’s growing tourism industry.”

“We know that what’s good for our lakes and waterways is great for our Michigan economy,” said Senator Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force. “This investment will strengthen habitats around Stony Island so that fish and wildlife can flourish once again, making the Detroit River a destination for anglers and all who enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty.”

The award will go to Friends of the Detroit River to help complete more acreage of habitat restoration than any previous restoration effort for the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC). This area of the Detroit River serves as one of the most important spawning areas for western Lake Erie.

In February, Peters and Stabenow introduced the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act, bipartisan legislation that authorizes funding for scientific research used to combat invasive species, prevent habitat loss, and manage the region’s fisheries. The Great Lakes fishery is worth $7 billion annually.