Dock Improvement Plan for New Baltimore, Michigan

The city of New Baltimore, Michigan, is working to secure additional funding for a dock improvement project at Walter and Mary Burke Park to triple its existing slip count. While the project is still in infancy, officials are optimistic while they pursue additional funding to enhance the project and eliminate the burden on local taxpayers. The team is taking necessary steps to position for more grants, such as revising the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan to satisfy requirements set by the Department of Natural Resources. In addition to the proposed new docks, the project includes the construction of protective breakwaters, shoreline stabilization and other infrastructure improvements.

The group secured a $17,345 grant with an $18,665 match to perform a shoreline stabilization study with Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) that will support a 20-percent design effort. Through a geotechnical investigation plan at the marina site and community outreach, the city will develop a plan to replace the park’s failing seawall and naturalize the shoreline.

The city’s mayor, Tom Semaan, and Senator Kevin Hertel, among others, collaborated to keep the project moving. “Downtown New Baltimore’s access to Lake St. Clair makes it a true gem of our district,” said Hertel in a post on X in February. “I’m grateful to partner with Mayor Semaan to bring state dollars back to the community to enhance their waterfront space for even more to enjoy.”