The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Tuesday the awarding of $3.8 million in Waterways Grant Program funding to 12 communities throughout the state to boost recreational boating.
Port Sanilac in Sanilac County and Sebewaing in Huron County were among the 12 communities awarded grants for projects that include marina renovation, dock replacements, seawall improvements, fuel tank replacement and engineering studies. The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s Waterways Grant Program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state.
Today, the system includes more than 1,200 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes.
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 grant-in-aid program provides matching funding 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 that supports the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.
Sebewaing Harbor and Marina was awarded $10,535 by the state for an engineering grant and study, while Port Sanilac Marina was awarded $22,500 for their engineering grant and study. The application period for the next round of Waterways Grant Program funding is due April 1, 2026.
