Finding Financial Support
In addition to about $ 2 million in contributions from the City of Marinette , approximately $ 8 million in grant funding supported the revitalization of the City ’ s harbor area . Ayres assisted the City in the acquisition of that funding , including the following grants :
EPA / DNR Great Lakes Repair Initiative Grant
For dredging of harbor
EPA / DNR Great Lakes Repair Initiative Grant
For harbor dredging and new seawall construction
WDNR Recreational Boating Facilities Grant
For design and construction of parking lot , driveway , lighting , and stormwater management
WDNR Recreational Boating Facilities Grant
For design and construction of boat launch , kayak launch , and docks
WDNR Recreational Boating Facilities Grant
For design and construction of transient dock system , restroom facility , and site amenities
Wisconsin Economic Development Corp . Site Assessment Grant
For environmental site assessment and demolition on future park site
WDNR Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grant
For design and construction of open-air pavilion , boating plaza , and amenities
WDNR Boating Infrastructure Grant
For design and construction of large watercraft transient dock expansion
$ 1,135,000
$ 3,803,388
$ 203,057
$ 202,901
$ 440,457
$ 150,000
$ 225,518
$ 72,355 led to the success of such a complex and long-term undertaking .
“ This project had so many impacts ,” Wilson said . “ It would be hard to find another project that could boast of those kinds of transformations . These outcomes came about with a lot of great teamwork and people committed to a cause . It wasn ’ t one person who did it , it was the mission of the collective – people , personalities , brains , and talents – that made it come together .”
Challenges met
The multi-million-dollar cost to revitalize Marinette ’ s deteriorated harbor and create Menekaunee Harbor Park posed a significant economic challenge for a city with a population of just 10,600 . Grant funding played a major role in making the project possible .
“ All in all , there was investment of about $ 10 million in that area ,” Genisot said . “ With about $ 2 million of city tax incremental district and other investments and , with Ayres ’ support , about $ 8 million of EPA and WDNR investments , we put together a project .” Keeping the multifaceted project moving forward while navigating the processes of seeking and receiving grant funding proved to be a challenge in itself , said Pete Kolaszewski , an Ayres municipal engineer who was the redevelopment design and construction manager on the Menekaunee Harbor project .
“ We went through quite a process : putting together and submitting grant applications , going through the interview and presentation components of some of these grant programs , obtaining permits during and sometimes before the application submission , receiving the grant award and then doing the design and bidding and getting construction done in the same limited Wisconsin construction season and also working within the community ’ s tax incremental district deadlines ,” Kolaszewski said . “ The logistics of all that , over multiple years , and given the multiple grants we received , was the biggest challenge through the redevelopment phase .”
Causes to celebrate
Beyond the benefits to visitors who enjoy Marinette ’ s new park and harbor , the
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