The city of Buchanan is working with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative as it plans the redevelopment of its St. Joseph Riverfront.

Buchanan Community Development Director Richard Murphy tells us the city has been working on a riverfront master plan for about two years, seeking to improve public access and restore the ecosystem. The Cities Initiative can help provide it with technical resources to make those things possible.

“Looking at measures that will improve clean water, reduce runoff, eradicate invasive species, and plant more native species that will contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem,” Murphy said.

Murphy says resources like the river were abused during the industrial era, and now cities are coming up with ways to bring them back.

“So that we can attract people of quality of life and younger families and people to move back to these small towns.”

Murphy says several things have already been accomplished to restore the riverfront. Last year, the city was awarded a grant for a new kayak launch, and it’s planning a new boat launch once that project is finished.

Murphy says to attract residents, the city has to offer access to natural resources and connections to major metro areas.

Buchanan is just one Southwest Michigan city that’s joined the Cities Initiative. Others include Benton Harbor and South Haven.