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Houghton Seeks Alternate Cruise Dock Sites – City Council Wrap

The City of Houghton is looking for alternate sites for cruise ships to dock in the Portage. 

Weather issues prevented the Viking ship Octantis from bringing its passengers to the Copper Country on its first two visits this summer. The current plan is to anchor the ship near Dollar Bay, and ferry passengers to the Houghton dock. Wind has caused safety concerns. At last night’s council meeting, City Manager Eric Waara said there are options…

We actually contacted Mattila Rock and Dock, where the salt boat pulls up every year, found out the length of the salt boat, where do they turn around, what do they do.

The salt boat is longer than the Octantis. The next cruise ship visit is planned for July 27th.

The city is once again on track to add some electric vehicle charging stations. After a supply chain delay, Waara said installation is now scheduled, and they could be up and running within the next six weeks.

Yet another recreational marijuana outlet will open in Houghton. The city issued a license for a company to begin operations in the former Bambu Restaurant location on Ridge Road.

The council approved the purchase of an excavator. The CASE CX145D will cost $170,000.

City crews will be repaving a section of the waterfront trail the first week in August. A detour for pedestrians will be available. The roof on the concession stand at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park is being replaced. Waara noted the city is saving money by doing the work themselves, instead of hiring a contractor…

We have the equipment, we have the skilled people, and they also do a good job.

Speed bumps have been installed on Houghton Avenue. Waara said traffic has increased in both volume and speed because of the College Avenue project…

A lot of people are using that as their detour route, and treating it like Michigan Speedway.

The bumps will be removed when College Avenue reopens.

The council approved a modification to the Downtown Development Authority Tax Increment Financing plan, to allow for the upcoming redevelopment of the land where the big parking deck now stands.

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