Politics & Government

Lt. Gov. Calley to Tour Lake St. Clair Shoreline

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley accepts an invitation from State Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township, to see firsthand the effects of pollution on Lake St. Clair.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will get an opportunity Thursday to see the impact of pollution on Lake St. Clair as he takes a boat tour along the shoreline of the waterway.

State Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township, invited Calley to take a boat tour to see how pollution is affecting the environment and businesses, why the waterway is vital to tourism and the importance of highway signage to promote Lake St. Clair.

"One of our greatest assets is the lake, and we need to protect it," said Forlini. "There are things happening upstream that are causing an imbalance."

Find out what's happening in St. Clair Shoreswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Forlini was referencing the fact that nearly 3.2 billion gallons of combined sewer overflows have been dumped into the lake this year, causing beach closures. Residents also attribute the sewage overflows to the buildup of along seawalls north of Masonic.

"The Lt. Governor is coming at my request to see the opportunities that Lake St. Clair presents and some issues which prevent it from becoming a recreational destination that is recognized by the rest of the world," Forlini added. 

Find out what's happening in St. Clair Shoreswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The visit by Calley is the latest in a string of recent collaborative efforts among elected officials in Macomb County to promote business and protect the environment.

County Executive Mark Hackel has established a New  initiative that focuses on water access, water attraction and water quality.

Among the goals of the council are opening the Clinton River for canoeing and kayaking, posting Lake St. Clair r signs along major roadways in the county and clearing the waterways of debris and pollution.

He also recently met with St. Clair Shores elected and appointed officials about pollution in the lake.

Additionally, Forlini attended Hackel's announcement of the lake tour signage program.

"I am encouraged that all levels (of government) are working together," Forlini said. "The lake is a treasure."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here