OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- An effort by several Ottawa County commissioners to invalidate a $563,000 county lake restoration grant has succeeded.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Jon Hulsing on Monday, Sept. 22 ruled that Chester Township has no rights to the funds.

The funds were awarded in December 2024, just a month prior to a significant change in the Ottawa County board’s makeup.

At that time, commissioners tied to the Ottawa Impact political faction controlled a board majority. Commissioners voted 6-5 to approve the grant , with opponents claiming that funding just one lake’s restoration was unfair to other county lakes also in need of help.

Several new commissioners took office in January, ending the Ottawa Impact majority.

In February, it was revealed the $563,000 had not been paid and

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