During a recent Town Hall meeting in Benton Harbor, Representative Joey Andrews addressed critical funding concerns for local parks and environmental projects, emphasizing their importance to the community.

Andrews reassured residents that funding for city and county parks is expected to remain stable, with minimal impact anticipated from potential state budget cuts. However, he expressed concern over federal budget decisions that could jeopardize environmental initiatives. "The federal government has shown a clear disinterest in funding programs related to environmental cleanup and sustainability," he noted, highlighting the challenges faced by local projects like the Armory and solar initiatives.

Despite these challenges, Andrews confirmed that funding for the Ox Creek project is secure, which he described as a transformative opportunity for the community. The project aims to enhance local green spaces by creating walking trails and restoring the creek, allowing residents to engage with nature and potentially fish in the area again. "This is a huge boost for our community," he stated, underscoring the positive impact such projects have on local quality of life.

As the meeting concluded, Andrews urged residents to remain aware of the shifting funding landscape, particularly for future environmental projects. The discussions highlighted the ongoing need for community engagement and advocacy to ensure that Benton Harbor continues to benefit from essential environmental and recreational initiatives.