Community reimagines the future of Ox Creek at feedback summit

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The long-polluted Ox Creek that flows from the Paw Paw River to US31 is being cleaned up, but now local, state, and federal leaders are teaming up with the community to finalize a plan to turn it into a recreational gathering spot for the community.

A Summit was held at Lake Michigan College Wednesday to discuss future plans that hopes to include fishing, walking and bike paths, and even new homes.

The water stream was once a place for the community to gather and swim, but after years of neglect, industrial contamination, and environmental inaction, city leaders decided to do something to bring it back to its roots.

More than 7 million dollars has been secured for the project, that will benefit beyond Benton Harbor.

"We came together to do this and it was really important. It's near the Great Lakes also so it's not just a community. It's also protecting the Great Lakes,” said Phil Roos the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director.

For more information on the project, click here.