Island Marina To Close Tuesday To Begin Renovation

The Mackinac Island Marina will close Tuesday, September 4, as a $5 million renovation project gets underway. A portion of the facility will remain open about a week longer to honor a few reservations made earlier this year, said Thomas Paquin, park and recreation manager from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Cheboygan office. Plans call for the revamped marina to reopen by May 2008.

The marina will receive new electric service, water and sewer upgrades, deck replacement, and landscaping. A picnic area will be added for boaters and visitors. Lilac trees will be replanted and replaced as needed.

Dredging in the shallow areas in the marina will make the site more usable, as some sailboat keels have hit bottom in past seasons.

Ryba Marine Construction of Cheboygan will perform the work.

The DNR operates the Island's 76-slip marina and harbor.

"We're going to have a beautiful addition to Mackinac Island when it is done," said Mr. Paquin, who asked for people's patience until the project is completed.

Funds for this project are from the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund comprised of revenues collected from boating registrations and designated fuel tax.