PHENIX CITY, Ala. (AP) -- The Alabama Department of Environmental Management announced a new effort among local and state officials to clean up the Mill Creek Watershed as a new whitewater rafting course is developed in the Phenix City and Columbus, Ga. areas.
The creek flows from Smiths Station through Phenix City into the Chattahoochee River.
The Alabama agency set aside nearly $240,000 to improve habitat for aquatic life and teach residents the importance of protecting water quality.
The announcement comes as Phenix City officials have proposed including a takeout point at the creek for the planned whitewater rafting course.
Billy Turner, the course's project manager, said details of that proposal haven't been finalized. Plans currently call for rafters to exit the course near the Columbus Convention & Trade Center.