Posted on February 14, 2024
Two restoration projects are now funded in Marquette.
The city got a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to cover the $980,000 cost of cleaning the mouth of the Dead River as it feeds into Lake Superior by the Upper Harbor Ore Dock.
The second project is the second phase of the Lake Superior shoreline restoration between Hawley and Pine Street. The project was approved in May 2022, but it took 18 months for the city to receive permits. This also caused the cost of the project to change from initial estimates.
The project will now cost $5.8 million, which is about $1.2 million higher than the initial bid. During the permit process, some specifics of the project construction changed, which led to an increase in cost. About $1.5 million will be covered by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs said these projects are crucial to ensure the longevity of our recreational shorelines.
“Not only do you have something that impacts economic development in our economy, but also that part of recreation and enjoying our lakefront, which is something we are preserving,” Kovacs said.
Kovacs hopes construction on both projects can begin shortly. The completion date is unknown at this time.
