State Rep. Aric Nesbit applauded the state’s 2013 Emergency Dredging Plan, which includes funding for South Haven Municipal Marina.
The $21 million plan, released by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources(DNR), includes funding for a $436,000 project to enhance water levels at the South Haven Marina.
“ Our lakeshore communities are expected to experience record low water levels this year, which could be devastating ,” said Nesbitt, R-Lawton. “ Tourism, boating and other water-related activities are the lifeblood of South Haven. It is essential that this proposal is approved and work begins to keep our waterways viable.”
The DNR plan seeks the state’s portion of the costs from the Waterways Fund and the state’s general fund. Officials also propose the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplement the cost of the South Haven project with a contribution of $140,000 for the federal channel that will be dredged as part of the improvement plan. City officials hope to begin work at the marina by April 1.
“ Keeping the marina operating is essential not only to South Haven’s tourism economy, but also to the shipping industry ,” Nesbitt said. “ While this does not solve the big-picture challenge of low water levels in the Great Lakes, it is a step in the right direction to support our communities that depend on the waterways for economic stability.”
The next step requires the Legislature to agree with Gov. Rick Snyder’s recommendation that $21 million be spent for the dredging projects.
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Press Release, February 26, 2013