LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) announced today that the Village of Port Austin has received a $100,000 state grant to help complete improvements of the Veterans Waterfront Park downtown.
"It is great to see the state investing in local efforts to build on our assets and bring more jobs and economic development to our communities," Brown said. "The Veterans Waterfront Park project is a perfect example of developing the true potential of our waterfront communities to attract tourists and the money they spend. The connected walking areas and lighting, parking and other improvements will undoubtedly attract more development."
The $100,000 is a Waterfront Redevelopment Grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
The Veterans Waterfront Park improvement project is a major tourism, recreation and economic development project on Lake Huron. It is slated to include a new pavilion, a beach volleyball court, beach area improvements, a new playground and pedestrian walks. These walking areas would connect the park with downtown shopping areas, the marina, a visitor center and parking areas. The improvements would also enhance lighting and parking areas, improving safety and accessibility for visitors.
"Through the sacrifice and donations of many people, we've already seen the success that's been done with establishing this great memorial to our veterans in Port Austin," Brown said. "Now there's a lot of excitement about this broader vision for the harbor area, and this money will help make that vision a reality."