SAULT STE. MARIE, MI (AP)-- Officials are kicking off a long-awaited environmental restoration project for the Little Rapids portion of the St. Marys River, which links Lakes Huron and Superior.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday at Rotary Park in Sault Ste. Marie.
The project's centerpiece will be construction of a bridge to replace two undersized causeway culverts between Sugar Island and its ferry dock.
Planners say the bridge will improve water flow and native fish habitat. A new pedestrian walkway will boost access for fishing, birdwatching and other recreation.
The Little Rapids restoration is considered the last step needed to remove the St. Marys River from a list of the Great Lakes region's most heavily polluted areas.
The Obama administration's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is providing $9.4 million for the work.
