Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
It’s been a decade, but cruise ships may be docking in Houghton again soon. City Manager Eric Waara presented at Wednesday night’s Houghton council meeting about the initial renderings for a revamped pier downtown. Costs have come in at over $3 million with the city being responsible for around $750,000, which includes money already spent on the design phase.
Waara talked about some of the changes that would need to occur to accommodate the potential project, such as rerouting the lakeshore walking path. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation had originally approved the program in 2019, but recalled those funds for other uses due to COVID-19. They have since reached out to discuss potential sources that would replace what was lost. The space is being designed with versatility in mind.
Future grants may offer the chance for a slew of new amenities.
Waara says the pier will allow for barges and cruise ships around 300 feet in length to anchor. Some of the companies discussing making Houghton a stop operate larger boats, running upwards of 600 feet long. Waara says there are facilities in place to handle ships of that size.
