Grand Haven marina upgrade to launch in spring

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12/17/07 By Chad D. Lerch Press News Service

GRAND HAVEN — The first phase of a $2 million municipal marina upgrade in Grand Haven will start in the spring and be completed before the 2008 boating season, pending City Council approval today.

The council is set to vote on awarding the low-bid contract to Hardman Construction of Ludington to replace fixed docks and slips. The company's contract is worth $808,657, city facilities manager Julie Beaton said.

The total project cost for the first phase, including engineering studies, is $1 million.

A grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will pay $500,000, which the city would match.

Once completed, there will be 28 fixed slips made of a composite material. The slips will be longer and wider to accommodate larger vessels. The slips will be 50 to 80 feet long and 30 to 52 feet wide.

There are 31 fixed slips there now. Harsh winters have taken their toll on the 35-year-old docks, officials have said.

New sidewalks leading up to the docks will be installed as well.

Meanwhile, each slip will have its own electricity hookup for boats that stay at the marina, officials said.

"That's really important because these new vessels draw a lot more power," Beaton said. "Some of them have more than one air conditioner."

The project is expected to start as soon as winter weather breaks, Beaton said. Officials hope to complete it by May 1 and no later than May 15, she said.

The second phase — replacing the facility's floating docks — could happen in 2009.

But before that can happen, final approvals are required at the city and state levels.

A $500,000 grant is in play for the second phase as well; the city would be required to match those dollars.

City leaders last year grappled over which side of the marina should be replaced first — the fixed docks or floating docks.

After having city staff members and engineers evaluate the facility, the City Council agreed that the fixed docks were in more urgent need of being replaced.