Clinton River Spillway

The Clinton River Spillway was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1950 as an off-channel from the Clinton River to Lake St. Clair. The purpose was to mitigate flooding issues in Mt. Clemens, Harrison Township, and Clinton Township. Habitat was created in this man-made channel by controlling invasive species, adding native plants, small inlets, and large woody debris, mimicking habitats found in a naturally formed waterway.

Cost: $4 Million

Fiduciary: Macomb County Public Works

Date Completed: Spring 2019

  • 5 newly created off-channel habitats

  • Fishing pier recreational access

  • 106 acres of restoration & invasive species control

Project Partners: Clinton River Spillway Inter-County Drain Drainage Board, Clinton River Watershed Council, Clinton Township, Harrison Township, Hubbell Roth & Clark, Macomb County Public Works Office, and NOAA

A dock overlooking the Clinton River

Photo Credit: HRC