Politics & Government

Gov. Snyder Signs Bill for Emergency Dredging Amid Low Lake Levels

The legislation, which was championed by lawmakers along Lake St. Clair received bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation Wednesday allowing for $21 million from the state for 58 emergency harbor dredging projects amid record low water levels in the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair.

"As the Great Lakes State, we need to ensure the availability of our beautiful waterways to boaters to support tourism, local communities, the state economy and safe boating," Snyder said in a prepared statement. "I thank the Legislature for approving these funds in time for the boating season."

Locally, legislators who represent communities along Lake St. Clair pushed for the emergency dredging legislation, including Sen Jack Brandenburg, R-Harrison Township, who called for low-interest loans for marinas. Brandenburg was joined by Republican State Rep. Andrea LaFontaine, who represents Chesterfield Township, New Baltimore and surrounding communities.

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In addition to the low-interest loans, the legislation also calls for lower permit fees for dredging projects that meet certain criteria.

Snyder's approval aims to help public harbors and recreational marinas, approved by the Michigan Waterways Commission, during a time when the state's boating industry is facing incredible challenges.

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In 2012, there were 922,856 registered recreational boats in the state--ranking Michigan behind only Florida and Minnesota.

"According to a 2007 study by Michigan State University, boating has a $3.9 million impact and represents 52,000 jobs.  A similar study done by MSU in 2010 found that the direct economic impact on a local economy of a single marina with 455 slips is: 38 jobs, $1 million in income and $1.6 million in value added to the economy," according to Brandenburg's office.


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