Grand Portage prepares for repairs, improvements to Hat Point Marina

The Hat Point Marina – home base for the Grand Portage-Isle Royale Transportation Line for many decades – is slated for some long-needed repairs and upgrades, hopefully, this spring and summer. Although the need for the work was highlighted after severe storms in September and October destroyed the old dock, this is a project that has been years in the making.

The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior has been working on plans to redevelop the marina and ferry terminal for several years. The project cost is estimated to be $5.2 million.

The Grand Portage Band has received a $3.2 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, part of a tax-incentive program to encourage investment in economically distressed communities. More funds were garnered from the Minnesota Department of Transportation piers program.

And the community will contribute in-kind work with the Grand Portage Construction Department doing much of the grounds preparation work.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence learns more from Grand Portage Tribal Chair Beth Drost in this interview.

 
Rhonda also talked to Tony Swader of Grand Portage Trust Lands, who has been spearheading project planning.