‘A real threat’: Benton Harbor to apply for grant to study riverfront flooding

bentonharborcityhall1-84
bentonharborcityhall1-84

The City of Benton Harbor has taken the first step in finding a solution to a potentially devastating high water issue.

City Commissioners on Monday approved the submission of a grant application to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for a High Water grant to fund the study and analysis of conditions near Riverview Drive along the St. Joseph River.

The project would project to address impacts and vulnerabilities from high water and severe weather events in Benton Harbor along the St. Joseph River and adjacent areas, according to the resolution.

“In speaking with EGLE and looking at the FEMA documentation of potential flooding from the St. Joseph River, there is a real threat,” said Mayor Marcus Muhammad. “It could be catastrophic. There’s [been] a need for years really, but the city has not has the funding and the money available to address a project of this magnitude.”

The Michigan Legislature appropriated $14.25 million to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for a grant program to provide infrastructure and planning grants in 2023 that directly address the impacts and vulnerabilities presented by severe weather events, with a focus on projects that address flooding, coastline erosion, urban heat, and storm water management.

Marcy Hamilton, a senior planner with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, spoke to the board about the grant during the meeting.

“EGLE was very interested in getting a proposal from Benton Harbor,” she said. “I think it has a really good chance of being funded to address the flooding and high water issues in that area that really disrupt the current businesses that are there now and hinder any future development in that area.”

Commissioner Mary Alice Adams brought up concerns about language in the resolution that made it unclear whether or not Benton Harbor taxpayers would have to incur costs due to this project.

“If you need to change the wording of the resolution … I don’t have a problem with it,” Hamilton said. “EGLE would not have a problem with it.”

Adams ultimately voted in favor of the resolution. Commissioners Ethel Clark Griffin and Juanita Henry were the only votes against submitting the proposal.

The grant would be for at least $300,000, according to the resolution. The deadline for municipalities to apply for the grant is Nov. 30.