On Thursday, State Rep. Joseph G. Pavlov (R-Smiths Creek) testified in support of a state grant he requested to help repair the Black River Canal in Port Huron. The canal was constructed to alleviate floodwater pressure on one of the main waterway passages to Lake Huron, but it was damaged by wooded debris last year and needs more than $4 million in repairs.

“This is an incredibly important part of infrastructure for a community that thrives on maritime activity,” Pavlov said. “Repair of the Black River Canal has been a pressing public issue in the Port Huron area, and I’m glad we are finally able to make some progress towards getting it fixed.”

A number of local leaders from Port Huron also testified in support of the budget request alongside Pavlov, including City Manager James Freed and Harbormaster Mike Davenport. Starting this term, all line-item spending in the budget will be publicly disclosed and must be sponsored by one of the representatives as a “legislatively directed spending item.” Freed, Davenport, and Pavlov all spoke to the importance of this spending item before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity.

“Residents of Port Huron are fortunate to have local public officials with a determination to get results and a very deep understanding of the issues facing their community,” Pavlov said. “Their remarks this past Thursday serve as a testament not only to the importance of this project, but also to their dedication as civil servants. With their support and my office’s continued work here in Lansing, I am hopeful that we can get this spending item across the finish line.”