Albert Lea and Shell Rock River Watershed District officials have applied for two key grants for restoring the first stretch of the Shell Rock River — popularly called “the channel.”

During the Thursday workshop of the Albert Lea City Council, City Manager Victoria Simonsen explained that the two entities sent off the grants earlier this week.

The first, which is a request for $1.34 million from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, would be used for habitat restoration of the channel, enhancement and public access improvement.

The application states the project “proposes restoration and enhancement of fishery habitat, shoreland and riparian wetlands, forests and prairies along a half mile reach of the Shell Rock River, the segment that connects Fountain Lake to Albert Lea Lake near the core of Albert Lea’s commercial/business district.”

The second grant is a request for about $400,000 through a legacy grant.

The funds will bring the city and watershed district closer to improving the overall watershed, along with the fishing access on the stretch, after the city recently acquired property at 804 E. Main St., which runs along a portion of the channel.

Plans are to develop the space, formerly the location of the Mexico Lindo restaurant, into a park or public recreational area.

The existing structure on the site will be removed and then the land will be transformed into a public access on the channel. It’s a project that’s been in the works for several years.

When it’s completed, the space could include public restrooms, a pavilion with tables, an area for nonmotorized boats to enter the channel, parking spaces and possibly a playground area. It might also incorporate a fish-cleaning station.

Simonsen said the city and watershed district leaders will find out in December if the money is awarded.