MI Waterways Program Grants

The MI Waterways Program Grants, funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, offer approximately $3.5 million for engineering studies and infrastructure improvements for local government units and state colleges. Eligible projects require a 50% match of estimated costs, while those demonstrating a qualified need may receive consideration even without the match. Applicants must submit a comprehensive 5-Year Recreation Plan for harbor projects, including maintenance schedules and traffic summaries.

DNR Waterways Program Grants provide funding for engineering studies and infrastructure improvements. Michigan grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites managed by local units of government (city, village, township and county) and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply.
FY2023 Grant Funding
For FY2025, the Michigan Legislature appropriated approximately $3.4 million for Waterways Program Grants.
Grant funding requires a 50% match of the estimated project cost.Grant requests that include more than a 50% applicant fund match will be given additional preference.An applicant fund match can include well-documented in-kind expenses.Applicants not able to provide the 50% match, but can demonstrate a "qualified need" can still apply.For additional information on a "qualified need," reach out to the program contact.
Harbor Project Criteria
Applicants submitting a Waterways Grant Program Application and select "Harbor" (not boating access sites) as the project type, must submit:
An approved Harbor/Marina Facilities 5-Year Recreation Plan (or amendment to the existing 5-year plan) through Grants Management that includes:A description of recreational plan elements such as facility size, marketing/events/partnering plans, dredging needs, dredging cycles (how often), dredge volume and dredge disposal location.A brief description of infrastructure replacement schedules, annual maintenance schedules and replacement or habilitation schedules of large investments like docks, buildings, etc.5-year recreation plans must be be approved by grants management staff by the February 1 deadline.Last three years of harbor traffic (harbor logs).Last three years of financial summaries for the harbor.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include local units of government (city, village, township and county) and state colleges and universities. Local units and universities may cooperate with sports/community organizations in the implementation of projects.