Port Austin’s continuing harbor project brings forth
mixed emotions — but why?
On
July 10, 1989, dignitaries representing the federal government
(Army Corp of Engineers), state government (Waterways Commission),
county government (commissioners) and village government
(council) and elected officials from a wide variety of state
and federal
agencies gathered aboard the Miss Port Austin. The occasion
was to dedicate construction of a second breakwall — which
had been long awaited. The officials gathered at the stern
of my boat and tossed brightly painted rocks overboard at
the position where the new rock breakwall would start.
It was announced at the time the breakwall construction would
only be the start of a complete harbor renovation, and the
first to combine state and federal dollars. At the end of the
dedication ceremony, Judy Wheeler (Waterways Commission chief)
introduced a three-phase plan for improvements to the Port
Austin Harbor.
The first phase would be the building of new facilities to
house the office staff, plus attached showers and restrooms
for the boaters visiting the harbor. This very first phase
was postponed a few years due to a lack of funding and transfers
of funds to harbor projects deemed more urgent.
The
new offices and service building even included a laundry
room, which boaters truly enjoyed after phase
one was completed.
Word spread throughout the cruising community that
Port Austin’s
harbor was a great place to seek refuge from rough
seas and enjoy the village just steps away.
The
docks were raised and a few temporary efforts applied as
the years passed, but further development plans
were repeatedly delayed. Vessels that had stopped
on passages
north soon
began
to by-pass Port Austin due to the harbor’s
need of dredging and the poor condition of the docking
facilities.
As water
levels lowered, the docks were difficult to use and
in some cases even dangerous. In recent years, the
harbor
has held
no attraction for boaters.
Some Port Austin residents failed to acknowledge the value
of the harbor and felt seeking improvements would fail to provide
any big advantage to the town. This thinking always puzzled
me. I was a pleasure boater and a commercial business person
who was always connected to the harbor. I can assure all the
area residents, the improvements will benefit the entire area
and reflect favorably on local business. It will add new jobs
both at the harbor and in the businesses.
Boaters shop in gift shops, buy grocery and beverage supplies,
play miniature golf and try out all of the restaurants as they
sit in port. While spending a few days, if a local event takes
place, they will participate and spread the word about the
fun they had while in Port Austin.
The
on-going project work will cause restrictions and inconvenience
at the waterfront this season
which may
be costly for a
few businesses. Once completed, combined with
the improvements done thus far, I believe Port
Austin’s
harbor will once again be a favorite stop for
boaters. Anglers,
using
the launch
plus fishing ashore, will enjoy the facilities.
Visitors to the area, anxious to get a look
at the big lake,
will stroll
the docks in the evening and admire the yachts.
They will spend time in our shops and dine
in the restaurants.
Some
will come
for fun at the village beach and stay for sunsets.
The completion of our harbor has been a long time coming; it
will be like the icing on the cake for Port Austin. Everyone
just needs to sit back, be patient and let the work proceed.
We will all enjoy sharing our gem at the tip of the Thumb.
We should all extend a great thank you to John Pridnia, whose
many hours of effort will help reach the reality of a great
harbor in Port Austin.