MI Awards Grants To Boost Recreational Boating

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that more than $4 million in grant funding will be awarded to 23 communities throughout the state to boost recreational boating.

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. The system includes more than 1,300 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes.

“Boating access has always been a priority for our industry. Now, as more people are taking to the water its importance is elevated even higher,” said Nicki Polan, executive director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association. “Our focus is on positive experiences for all boaters, so they stay in boating. Long lines to launch and no place to park will not support positive experiences. The MDNR shares the goal of keeping the outdoor recreation market share we have gained through the pandemic, and it is good to see this support for access for the families boating in Michigan.”

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 required funds.

In 2020, when lake levels were at record highs, many facilities had emergency needs. As a result, the waterways grant program was strongly focused on assisting communities that had emergency infrastructure needs. Fortunately, this year with lake levels receding, the grants have been able to focus on more typical infrastructure improvements, such as engineering studies, design and infrastructure improvements.

“It is great to see the shift away from high water emergencies and back to building and maintaining boating access sites in Michigan with these 2021 grants,” added Polan. “Boating access is critical to our industry’s success, and the boating industry in Michigan is flourishing due to the state’s commitment to helping people in Michigan get on the water, even if they don’t live on the water.”

View a full list and descriptions of this year’s Waterways Program Grant awards.

The grants are funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived primarily from boat registration fees and a portion of Michigan’s gas tax that supports the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.