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The Army Corps of Engineers will spend $3.75 million to improve the water flow in the Red Run Drain in Warren.
The project will shore up the banks of the Red Run and remove sandbars in the waterway, which flows into the Clinton River.
The funding was requested by Oakland County officials because the Red Run is the tributary used by the massive GWK Drain in Madison Heights — formerly known as Twelve Towns Drain — to discharge sewage overflows.
The restoration work will begin on the Oakland County portion of the stream but most of the benefits will be realized downstream in Macomb County, where the Red Run flows through Warren and a portion of Sterling Heights.
Officials say the Red Run suffers from significant problem with sediment settling onto the bottom of the waterway after heavy rains. In addition, the banks of the drain have severely eroded and shoals — or sandbars — have developed which slow the flow and affect water quality.
Oakland County will contribute 25 percent of the total cost, or $1.25 million, toward the project.
“We’ve made a lot of progress on reducing pollution in the Clinton River, but there is a critical need to address the build-up of sediment in the watershed,” said U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, a Royal Oak Democrat who represents most of Macomb County.
“(The) announcement that the Corps will commit $3.75 million to the Red Run Drain restoration effort will substantially reduce sedimentation, open up water flow, and improve water quality downstream.”
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John McCulloch said: “Because my office has worked so closely with Congressman Levin over the years, we were able to quickly respond to the president’s request for ‘shovel-ready projects.’
“This project will eliminate historic pollution, restore the natural habitat, all while creating the jobs we need in Michigan.”
Gary O’Keefe, an engineer for the Corps’ Detroit district said the federal funds should arrive within a week, allowing the agency to pursue a design contract and plan on the start of construction next year.
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