Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Amanda Price that will improve the process of dredging harbors and inland waterways in need of maintenance was signed yesterday by Gov. Rick Snyder.
“ Making the dredging of our waterways more affordable and feasible is essential to help local communities prepare for tourism season, ” said Price, R-Park Twp. “Thanks to this legislation, communities can be begin dredging projects immediately without high permit fees, financial strain or long waiting periods.”
House Bills 4398 and 4400 reduce dredging permit fees to $50 for projects that propose to remove 10,000 cubic feet or more, and whose dredge material has been determined to be composed of at least 90 percent sand. Previous permit fees ranged between $1,500 and $2,000.
For emergency situations where dredging is necessary to protect property, public health, safety and welfare of Michigan residents, House Bill 4399 exempts 20-day notification and public hearing requirements if an emergency exists.
Gov. Snyder yesterday signed Senate Bill 233 and 252 which provide funding for emergency dredging projects and create an emergency loan program for private marinas to borrow funds for dredging their facilities.
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Press Release, March 28, 2013