USA: MBIA Applauds Introduction of Dredging Legislation

The Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) applauds the introduction of legislation that has been utilized in the past to help solve the private marina dredging crisis, which, in turn, will help thousands of boaters.

Senate Bill No. 215, introduced by Senators Brandenburg, Hansen, Casperson, Booher, Green, Walker, Robertson, Jones, Proos and Smith is an act which will provide for low interest loan opportunities for marinas in need of dredging.

“The problems facing our waterways need to be addressed immediately and a long-term strategy to maintain them needs to be developed,” Brandenburg said. “A dredging plan needs to be developed that will allow Michigan harbors, ports and waterways to be accessible and sustainable for commercial as well as recreational use.”

MBIA is supportive of the Governor’s plan to assist public marinas with dredging funds. This new legislation helps fix another part of the equation, by helping private marinas dredge in order to provide access to boaters utilizing these facilities and launch sites.

“This is another great example of our state’s leadership working together to help Michigan’s boating industry, which is critical to Michigan’s future,” said MBIA Board Chairman Jim Coburn. “We commend the sponsors of this bill for their fine work in revitalizing a program that worked successfully in the past to help Michigan’s boaters.”

Michigan ranks as one of the top states in the nation in registered watercraft. Recreational boating brings a $3.9 billion economic impact to our state.

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Press Release, February 22, 2013