Federal Study Next for Island Breakwall Project
By Karen Gould

A view of the east breakwall (at left) and west breakwall from Fort Mackinac.

A $50,000 federal appropriation to fund a feasibility study for a third breakwall at Mackinac Island now awaits President George Bush’s signature. The study would determine if a proposed 950-foot-long rubble mound breakwall would protect the Island’s inner harbor, which is vulnerable to wave damage from strong southeast storms. The intended structure would be constructed between the existing east and west breakwalls and would create two entrance channels to the harbor.

The Island study was included in the new Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Monday, November 7, by a wide margin of 399 for and 17 against.

“We’re one step closer to seeing this project become a reality,” said Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud. An additional breakwall would help calm the harbor waters during storms, she said of the undertaking that began approximately three years ago.

U. S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) worked with the conference committee, composed of members of both the House and Senate, to recommended the funding. Congressman Stupak urged committee members to include the feasible study funding because the Island is dependent on water transportation. He told the committee the Island is accessible from the mainland of northern Michigan by boat across the often rough waters of Lake Huron and people, supplies, and freight for businesses are transported by ferry.

“We’ve been fighting for this for years,” said Bob Brown, general manager for Arnold Transit Company, who said the company is promoting the project. “The southeast storms cause havoc in the harbor.”

“It would be a huge help,” said Tom Pfeiffelmann, general manager at Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry of St. Ignace. He said the wind and waves have ripped up the Star Line dock in the past and speculated that if the breakwall is constructed, Mackinac Island probably will become a no-wake harbor. Right now, the harbor is considered an open harbor, said Mr. Pfeiffelmann. As an open harbor, no liability exists with wakes, but if it becomes a no-wake area, that would all change. Boats entering the harbor would have to slow down or face fines.

“No community has the funding to build a breakwall and infrastructures securing the safety of vessels both private and commercial,” said Chris Shepler, vice president of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry of Mackinaw City, who said the company was pleased the project is moving forward. “Within the confines of the Mackinac Island harbor, it would put a peace of mind in the maritime community toward docking at Mackinac Island, thus, hopefully, more visitors will take advantage of our beautiful harbor.”

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will perform the study for the breakwall that would help protect passenger and freight docks, and marina boats from storm surges that hamper boat traffic and cause shoreline damage during heavy weather conditions.

In September, Mackinac Island City Council sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requesting they continue with the project.