Resolution Supporting
Michigan Small Harbors Coalition
The resolution below, approved at the Coalition’s April 29, 2008 meeting, is for the use of harbor communities as they discuss Coalition support and membership. If you have questions, please contact Chuck May, Chairman pro tem, themays2@charter.net
- Whereas, there are more than 50 federally authorized small Great Lakes harbors in Michigan, more than all the other Great Lakes states combined; and
- Whereas, the federal government is responsible for maintaining boater access to these harbors through adequate dredging and maintenance of navigation infrastructure (hereinafter referred to as maintenance); and
- Whereas, small harbors perform other valuable functions such as ports of refuge during inclement weather, ports for U.S. Coast Guard rescue stations, ports for law enforcement, ports for commercial fleets, ports for Great Lakes research vessels, and ferry terminals; and
- Whereas, many of the 50 federally authorized small harbors in Michigan require regular maintenance because of natural sedimentation, low water levels, storm events, and littoral drift, among other factors; and
- Whereas, longstanding federal policy prevents the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from allocating funds for the maintenance of small harbors in its operation and maintenance budget for the Great Lakes, thus forcing these harbors to seek Congressional assistance or “earmarks” to secure funds for maintenance; and
- Whereas, this inefficient, inequitable system has resulted in maintenance backlogs that have hindered, or in some cases totally blocked. access to Michigan small harbors, causing significant economic loss and increased risk to human health and safety; and
- Whereas, small harbors in Michigan have not, to date, had an organization through which to unite and speak with one voice to address concerns about maintenance and other shared interests to federal and state agencies;
- Therefore be it resolved that [municipality] supports and commits to being a member of the Michigan Small Harbors Coalition; and
- Be it further resolved that [municipality] urges the Michigan Small Harbors Coalition to advocate for a more equitable, sustainable, needs-based system to allocate funds for adequate maintenance of small Great Lakes harbors in Michigan.
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