Daylighting & Green Infrastructure Project
The project continues the redesign and retrofit of the Sterling Relief Drain corridor into a green infrastructure system within Macomb County. Building upon the 2.5 miles of drain improvements completed in 2020, this phase from east of Ryan to Mound Road, adds an additional 1.2 miles of corridor enhancements to improve water quality, manage stormwater and improve ecological function.
The project will reduce, slow, and filter stormwater runoff from a 1,610-acre urban drainage area before it reaches the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair. Improvements focus on habitat restoration, erosion control, sustainable stormwater storage, and a pedestrian path.
The project includes the following:
- Creation of 42 additional acres of native habitat (totaling 95 acres restored)
- Planting of 2,500 trees and shrubs, 8,000 native perennial/pollinator plugs, and over 200 lbs. of native and pollinator seed
- Capture and infiltration of approximately 28.2 million gallons of stormwater annually
- Erosion control and site access improvements
- Additional trash capture grates
- Construction of 3,000 linear feet of shared-use pedestrian path from Nelson Park to Ryan Road
These improvements will stabilize erosion-prone areas, enhance habitat, reduce sediment transport, and improve stormwater storage and water quality within the drain system.
Construction has started on this $1.1 million grant-funded project with substantial completion by November 2026.
Sterling Relief Phase II Daylighting & Green Infrastructure Project Flyer