Facebook photo Marquette's Cinder Pond Marina is one of two UP projects sharing in more than $4M in DNR grants.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced this week that seven communities throughout the state will share $4.035 million in Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program funding to improve public access to recreational boating.

This year, projects in Benzie, Emmet, Mackinac, Marquette, Ottawa and Sanilac counties were approved for projects that include marina dredging, an engineering study and various site improvements. With each community’s matching funds, these projects represent a collective investment of more than $6.5 million.

Two of the six approved projects are in the Upper Peninsula. A project in Marquette’s Cinder Pond Marina will replace four piers. The DNR will provide $1,694,000, about 50% of the nearly $3.4M project.

In the eastern Upper Peninsula a project has been funded at the Hessel Marina in Mackinac County’s Clark Township. The project includes day-use finger dock work, a structural assessment, dive survey and cost analysis of future improvements. The grant provides for 50% of the $200,000 project.

The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state.

“Michigan is home to more than 1,200 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 64 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes,” said Kristen Kosick, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “As boating remains a cornerstone of Michigan’s outdoor recreation, the DNR is committed to investing in and funding these vital waterways for the benefit of all.”

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 Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program provides matching funds to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of required funds.

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. These funds support the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.

Applications for the next round of Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program funding are due April 1, 2027.

Learn more about DNR grant programs at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.