Funding and Parnters

Design was funded through an approximately $256,000 grant to the Alliance of Rouge Communities (ARC) from the U. S. EPA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Implementation was funded by the U. S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office through a portion of an almost $8.7M Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant received by Wayne County for 3 projects (the Fishway at the HFE, Nankin Lake, and the Oxbow at The Henry Ford) Grant #GL-00E02040-0. Partners in this project include Wayne County; Alliance of Rouge Communities; U.S.EPA; NOAA; National Park Service; Rouge River Advisory Council; Michigan Department of Natural Resources; and, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Where and When

The HFE Fishway is located in Dearborn, Michigan between the Main and Lower Branch of the Rouge River. Project design began in 2015 with construction starting in the summer of 2018 and an anticipated completion date of 2023. 

Anticipated Outcomes

Constructing passage around the HFE Dam hydrologically reconnecting approximately 43.5 miles of the Rouge River and 123 additional miles of its tributaries to the Great Lakes system. Providing for ancillary benefits at the project site (e.g., bank stabilization / erosion control, enhanced habitat and recreational use). Restoring riparian corridor along both sides of the channel and along the west bank of the Rouge River. Controling invasive species through implementation of integrated pest management strategies and best management practices. 2 acres of riparian/creek habitat created by 850 linear feet of natural channel fishway construction.

Reports and More Information

Fishway Design Plans FIshway As-Builts Fishway Public Education Flyer AOC Fishway Public Education Board