City News & Updates

We’ve recently completed an important project on the Little River: stabilizing the south riverbank between the Erie Rail Trail Bridge and Briant Street. This stretch had seen increased erosion after the failure of a low-head dam in 2016 immediately downstream.

The project moved about 1,500 cubic yards of soil on site, re-sloping and armoring the riverbank to prevent erosion, correct a potential safety risk to visitors at Erie Heritage Park and protect the area for future improvements – whatever our community imagines next! Native plants and grasses were also added to protect the soil, support pollinators and boost the local ecosystem.

Thank you to the Indiana DNR and its Lake & River Enhancement Program for their support and grant backing!

Farther downstream, volunteers helped gather trash, metal, tires and more from the river as part of the Little River Cleanup Day on September 20. They focused on the area between Jefferson Street and the Lafontaine Street bridge.

“I’m always so impressed with the people who show up for these events,” Volunteer Coordinator Christy Knecht said. “The kind of volunteer spirit that is so alive and well in these groups is beautiful to behold.”

Representatives of the Little River Wetland Project, Izaak Walton League and JROTC worked alongside some students from the University of St. Francis and other amazing volunteer citizens. On behalf of the City of Huntington, we’re grateful for your help!