Test

Constructed in 1949 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate flooding in Mount Clemens and surrounding communities, the Clinton River Spillway eventually triggered environmental degradation—disrupting connectivity to Lake St. Clair, impeding fish passage, and promoting invasive plant growth. Sediment buildup and erosion compounded the ecological imbalance. In response, the Macomb Public Works Office initiated a habitat restoration effort in 2011, securing NOAA funding and designating Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. (HRC) as lead engineer. HRC’s engineering and design work set the foundation for a multi-phase restoration strategy.

By 2014, HRC’s Phase I Implementation Plan secured full funding through NOAA and EPA grants totaling $4 million. HRC led all facets of project delivery—grant administration, monitoring, and construction oversight—culminating in the excavation of 120,000 cubic yards of material and the restoration of 12.8 acres of diverse wetland habitat. The project improved fish spawning areas, stabilized banks to reduce sediment loading, and actively managed invasive species—marking a significant step forward in revitalizing this critical corridor between the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.