Several Michigan State Senators and Representatives joined Proos along with other leading officials to take a look at the river trail's and some of the clean-up efforts that are going on with both the public and private resources going into the project. 

"The project itself really is opening up the opportunity for more paddling events and activities to go up and down the river," Proos said. " This also lets people take advantage of the natural resources that we have here in southwest Michigan."

He said this river project is important to all residents in southwest lower Michigan because the more people recognize the natural resources the state has, the more it would bring to the economy.

The project started this summer and today, $35,000 has been spent in the cleanup effort. 

Proos said of the 62 miles of the river, they have cleaned up over 30 miles of the water trail. He would like to see it all completed but there will always be an ongoing matinenance issue that will continue along the river. 

It is always an absolute blast to be outdoors and enjoy the incredible weather that we had and the Paw Paw River is just one of those things that we get to enjoy together and recognizing the great benefits that we have in southwest Michigan," he said. "I would say that it couldn't be a better opportunity for families and I hope to have my kids out soon."