April 23, 2008

Yesterday, I had a meeting with the Upper Peninsula Conservation and Development Council hoping to convince them to help us in seeking funding for the breakwall project. Everything went well and the council voted to accept our project. Now this organization with its coordinator, will help us to write grants and seek the funding needed for the breakwall.

On April 1, the Township Board applied for a $2,000,000 grant from the DNR Waterways Division.

On April 7, Senator Mike Prusi wrote a letter to the Waterways Division in support of our grant request. On April 15, Rep. Steven Lindberg was in Grand Marais to discuss with me his support of the breakwall project. It was nice to take him on a tour of the harbor. He has boated into our harbor for many years, so is well aware of the need to fix this problem.

Next week I will be in Lansing for a meeting with the Small Harbors Coalition. This is a new organization that is trying to work together for the purpose of addressing the problems that exist in the smaller harbors of the Great Lakes. Grand Marais Harbor is well on its way to becoming the poster child of small but very important harbors. While in Lansing, I hope to meet with Senator Prusi and Representative Lindberg.

I will continue to keep you updated on our progress.

Thank you, Jack Hubbard, Burt Township Supervisor