LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) announced today that a House panel unanimously approved his resolution fighting for the survival of Michigan's recreational boating harbors by urging Congress to fund the dredging needed to keep them in good condition.
"Much of the $1.2 billion that recreational boating generates each year in Michigan benefits our workers and our communities in the Thumb," Brown said. "Our municipal and family-owned marinas and harbors need dredging in order to operate, especially with lake levels continuing to drop. Without this service, these operations – and the working families and local businesses that rely on them – are at risk. Keeping our harbors healthy is vital to protecting the Thumb-area economy."
Great Lakes boaters rely on more than 80 harbors to launch, operate and dock their boats. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for maintaining many Great Lakes harbors, currently does not receive enough federal funding to dredge harbors that are designated for recreational use. The lack of dredging is restricting access for boats at many Michigan harbors.
To fight this problem, Brown sponsored a resolution urging Congress to provide adequate funding so the Corps of Engineers can provide this critical service to Michigan harbors. The House New Economy and Quality of Life Committee unanimously approved Brown's resolution today.
In addition to their economic contribution, some of these harbors are also home to U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Stations, and serve as refuge during storms.
"The executive director of the Great Lakes Commission reports that it would cost $5 million a year for the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct dredging of recreational harbors," Brown said. "This is a small price to pay for the safety of our residents, the growth of our economy, and the protection and creation of jobs. The federal government needs to step up and help safeguard the Great Lakes and all that they contribute to millions of Michigan residents."