BUCHANAN, Mich. -- The City of Buchanan is working in collaboration with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative to create designs that will help stabilize the shoreline and restore the natural features along the St. Joseph River.

The goal of the city is to revitalize the community amenities along the river and address issues they face, such as flooding, invasive species, shoreline erosion, public access constraints, and limited opportunities for recreational activities. 

This project is set to build on the 2024 Buchanan St. Joseph Riverfront Master Plan. 

The City of Buchanan owns to parcels of land that have been approved for improvements. The restoration project will address 16 acres and 1,600 feet of shoreline.

“There is significant positive momentum in our community to forge a collective vision for an accessible, healthy, restored riverfront to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors," said Buchanan Mayor Mark Weedon. "The St. Joseph Riverfront Restoration Project will help the city take key steps toward realizing this vision.”

The preliminary design is expected to be finished in early 2025, in which after the city will seek funding for final designs, permits, and eventual construction of the improvements.