The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working to improve recreational boating in the state. The DNR has approved $3.8 million in funding through its Waterways Grant Program.
The funding will support recreational boating initiatives across 12 communities in the state including Macomb County. This funding aims to enhance boating access and facilities, renovate marinas, replace docks, improve seawalls, and replace fuel tanks ensuring that Michigan’s waterways remain accessible and enjoyable for all.
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“Michigan is surrounded by 20% of the world’s fresh water and defined by our lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastlines,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a press release. “There’s nothing more quintessentially Michigan than getting out on the water for a day fishing, boating or just having fun. These Waterways grants will open Michigan’s great outdoors to more Michigan families and make our state a better place to live, work and play. Let’s keep working together to protect Michigan’s treasured natural resources and pass them on to future generations.”
The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s Waterways Grant Program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state. Today, the system includes more than 1,200 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes.
Local units of government and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grant assistance for recreational boating improvements and development at grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites. The grant-in-aid program provides matching funding to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of the required funds.
More information on the Waterways Program Grant can be found here.