Although today the River is cleaner, the persistent PCB contamination has led to Superfund designation of a 35-mile section from Kalamazoo to Allegan Dam. In the fall of 1990 the Kalamazoo River Partners of the Forum for Kalamazoo County conducted interviews with leaders from 33 organizations, representing the interests of business, government, education, recreation, and the general public. The purpose of survey was to inventory existing and proposed development along the river and ask for each community leader's personal visions for the future of the Kalamazoo River. The following are sample comments. They indicate the diverse perspectives about the River.
People still think that it's as bad as in the past.
Not the case. It has been used as a public sewer for years. If the river is accessible to people to use for recreational activities, other uses will follow. Expand the Red Arrow Golf Course to the other side of the river. Incorporate housing in and around the course.