RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond City Council members have unanimously voted not to accept a $635,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for the Reedy Creek Stream Restoration Project.

The project involved digging new channels for Reedy Creek and Crooked Branch, a tributary located in the middle of Crooked Branch Ravine Park.

Supporters said the $1.3 million plan would help reduce pollutants from going into the Chesapeake Bay, as well as improving water quality.

On the other hand, critics said the project has high risks, low benefits, and had to be maintained.

As a part of the plan, 424 trees would have been removed.

The total cost of the project would have cost nearly $1.3 million, with half of the money funded by a grant from the DEQ.

If approved the city would have had to come up with the remaining money to fund the project. The city warned that there could be penalties with not moving forward with the project.