Michigan DNR Awards $2.6 Million for Boating Access Improvements

Michigan DNR approves 2.6 million dollars in grant funds supporting recreational boating experiences around the Northern Lower and Upper peninsulas. Last week the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that 2.6 million dollars were awarded to 10 projects around the northern regions of the state as a part of the Waterways Program Grant awards. The program was started in 1947 to expand harbor access and systems in the Great Lakes throughout Michigan.  Over that time the DNR has sponsored more than 1200 boating access sites, 19 state harbors, and 63 locally managed state-sponsored harbors.

The 2024 grant awards in the waterways program will improve sites in Alpena, Bay, Delta, Genesee, Houghton, Huron, Leelanau, Mackinac, and Missaukee counties for marina renovations, dock replacement, canoe and kayak launch upgrades, and restroom and shower facility improvements.

Houghton County will receive 176,000 dollars toward a 220,000-dollar project to improve bathroom facilities. The county will contribute 44,000 dollars toward the project. Gladstone will use its grant funds toward a 350,000-dollar marina renovation project. Other projects include dock replacement in Bay City, Marina Boater Service building construction at Suttons Bay, and several others. The DNR’s 2.6 million dollars in grants will support ten projects valued in total at five million dollars.