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Michigan Awards $3.8 Million in Grants for Boating Infrastructure
Michigan’s recreational boating scene is set for significant improvements as the state Department of Natural Resources has awarded $3.8 million in grants to enhance public boating access across 11 communities. The funding, distributed through the Waterways Grant Program, will support a dozen projects ranging from marina renovations to dock replacements throughout the Great Lakes State.
The largest allocation goes to Ludington in Mason County, which will receive nearly $1.5 million to replace docking infrastructure and upgrade facilities at the city’s Harbor View Marina on Pere Marquette Lake. This substantial investment will modernize one of the area’s key boating hubs near Lake Michigan, providing better access for both local anglers and visiting boaters.
the city’s Harbor View Marina on Pere Marquette Lake.
New Baltimore in Macomb County secured $750,000 for an ambitious two-phase project targeting their Lake St. Clair marina. The community plans to expand and repair breakwalls, piers, and boat slips, with the city contributing an additional $2.365 million of local funds. This creates a total investment exceeding $3.1 million in marina upgrades that will benefit both residents and attract visitors to the area.
Frankfort rounds out the major recipients with a $50,000 grant, demonstrating that communities of all sizes can access these improvement funds. The grants span 11 counties including Alger, Baraga, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Huron, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason, and Sanilac, ensuring statewide impact.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized Michigan’s unique position as a water-rich state, noting that Michigan is surrounded by 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. “There’s nothing more quintessentially Michigan than getting out on the water for a day fishing, boating or just having fun,” Whitmer stated, highlighting how these grants will open Michigan’s outdoors to more families.
The funding addresses critical infrastructure needs including marina renovations, seawall improvements, fuel tank replacements, and engineering studies. These improvements directly benefit anglers by providing better launching facilities, safer harbors, and more reliable fuel access for extended fishing trips.
New Baltimore’s marina on Lake St. Clair will receive $750,000 in state funding for breakwall, pier, and boat slip improvements
The Waterways Grant Program has deep roots in Michigan, beginning in 1949 with the goal of expanding harbor systems along the Great Lakes and creating boating access sites statewide. Today’s network includes over 1,200 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors, and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes coastline.
Communities must provide a 50 percent local match to receive these grants, ensuring shared investment in recreational boating infrastructure. Local governments and state universities are eligible to apply, with the program specifically targeting grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites.
The grants are funded through Michigan’s State Waterways Fund, which draws primarily from boat registration fees and a portion of the state’s gas tax. This dedicated funding stream supports construction, operation, and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities across the state.
For communities planning future projects, the next application deadline is April 1, 2026. Interested municipalities can find application materials and program details at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.
These infrastructure improvements come at a perfect time as summer boating season reaches its peak, promising enhanced experiences for Michigan’s fishing and boating enthusiasts throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.
The post Michigan Awards $3.8 Million in Grants for Boating Infrastructure appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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Michigan Awards $3.8 Million in Grants for Boating Infrastructure
Michigan’s recreational boating scene is set for significant improvements as the state Department of Natural Resources has awarded $3.8 million in grants to enhance public boating access across 11 communities. The funding, distributed through the Waterways Grant Program, will support a dozen projects ranging from marina renovations to dock replacements throughout the Great Lakes State.
The largest allocation goes to Ludington in Mason County, which will receive nearly $1.5 million to replace docking infrastructure and upgrade facilities at the city’s Harbor View Marina on Pere Marquette Lake. This substantial investment will modernize one of the area’s key boating hubs near Lake Michigan, providing better access for both local anglers and visiting boaters.
the city’s Harbor View Marina on Pere Marquette Lake.
New Baltimore in Macomb County secured $750,000 for an ambitious two-phase project targeting their Lake St. Clair marina. The community plans to expand and repair breakwalls, piers, and boat slips, with the city contributing an additional $2.365 million of local funds. This creates a total investment exceeding $3.1 million in marina upgrades that will benefit both residents and attract visitors to the area.
Frankfort rounds out the major recipients with a $50,000 grant, demonstrating that communities of all sizes can access these improvement funds. The grants span 11 counties including Alger, Baraga, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Huron, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason, and Sanilac, ensuring statewide impact.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized Michigan’s unique position as a water-rich state, noting that Michigan is surrounded by 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. “There’s nothing more quintessentially Michigan than getting out on the water for a day fishing, boating or just having fun,” Whitmer stated, highlighting how these grants will open Michigan’s outdoors to more families.
The funding addresses critical infrastructure needs including marina renovations, seawall improvements, fuel tank replacements, and engineering studies. These improvements directly benefit anglers by providing better launching facilities, safer harbors, and more reliable fuel access for extended fishing trips.
New Baltimore’s marina on Lake St. Clair will receive $750,000 in state funding for breakwall, pier, and boat slip improvements
The Waterways Grant Program has deep roots in Michigan, beginning in 1949 with the goal of expanding harbor systems along the Great Lakes and creating boating access sites statewide. Today’s network includes over 1,200 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors, and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes coastline.
Communities must provide a 50 percent local match to receive these grants, ensuring shared investment in recreational boating infrastructure. Local governments and state universities are eligible to apply, with the program specifically targeting grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites.
The grants are funded through Michigan’s State Waterways Fund, which draws primarily from boat registration fees and a portion of the state’s gas tax. This dedicated funding stream supports construction, operation, and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities across the state.
For communities planning future projects, the next application deadline is April 1, 2026. Interested municipalities can find application materials and program details at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.
These infrastructure improvements come at a perfect time as summer boating season reaches its peak, promising enhanced experiences for Michigan’s fishing and boating enthusiasts throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.
The post Michigan Awards $3.8 Million in Grants for Boating Infrastructure appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...