Benton Harbor joins effort to fix polluted water in Ox Creek

BENTON HARBOR, Mich – The city of Benton Harbor is joining the effort to clean Ox Creek.

“Finally we’ve got some momentum behind this and we actually have the county and the city working harmoniously together as one,” Benton Harbor native Michael Hoyh said.

In September ABC57 reported on the clean-up effort that was projected to cost more than $1 million dollars.

Both a grant and local money will be used for the project and Benton Harbor Mayor Pro tem Duane Seats says the resolution addressing the project that was passed on Monday will restore the creek.

“We agreed to give them easements to clean up and better serve ox creek, to clean up couches and rubbish and things that have been down there for years, that have been counteracting the flow of Ox Creek to make it the jewel that we need it to become,” Seats said.

The easement granted by the Benton Harbor City Commissioners allows the city access to properties to clean and install the necessary equipment to restore the area.

The creek runs through neighboring Bainbridge Township, Benton Township and approximately 10 percent of the affected area of the creek is in Benton Harbor.

The city will work with the Berrien County Drain Commissioner to clean the polluted water.

Benton Harbor Mayor Pro tem Duane Seats says the project is expected to begin within 90-days and it is expected to last several years.