The city of Sault Ste. Marie is seeking additional funding for the redevelopment of its carbide dock after project bids came in nearly double what was anticipated.
The city had previously received $20,700,000 in United States Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) federal funding, along with $1 million funding from Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), $1 million Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and $300,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to total $23,000,000.
The original engineering estimate was $15,100,000 in the pre-pandemic year of 2018.
“We are trying to get between $6 million to $10 million more in grants to make this happen,” said Boyle citing rising costs, limited resources, labor shortages, and existing dock obstructions.
City Engineer David Boyle and Engineering Project Specialist Tracey Laitinen have made efforts to reduce spending in engineering, while actively applying for additional grants.
Following a meeting with MARAD Great Lakes Gateway Director Robert Sullivan last year, it was decided that the $5 million Port Infrastructure Development Program Grant would be “a good fit” to help close the funding gap. MDOT will match 20% or $1 million.
MDOT will also match 10% or $100,000 of the $1 million received from the Community Development Block Grant.
MDOT will match 20% of the over $1 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant.
The city will also apply for $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act Resolution for Grant. MDOT will match 20% or $1 million of this grant.
“We are taking the shotgun approach to these grants,” said City Manager Brian Chapman. “A lot of the grant agencies have given us strong support but no guarantees.”
Upcoming project restorations to the dock include plan adjustments, guardrail and security fencing, reduction in service drive width, asphalt, seawall construction, timber boardwalk and underground storage.
Ultimate plans include adding streams, ponds, trees, and environmentally friendly walkways.
MARAD has required the city to complete both the carbide dock and the Easterday Avenue projects.
