MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The city of Marquette is still feeling the effects of the recent blizzard earlier this month. The storm caused extensive damage to the marina, as well as to the gas dock, which is the only such facility between Munising and Big Bay.
Marquette city manager Karen Kovacs says funding for the project is already in the works.
“The city is applying for the DNR waterways grant, and this would allow us to rebuild Cinder Pond Marina for the next generation of it, which was already something that was looking to be scheduled, regardless of the damage. But the damage that we incurred, or that the Marina incurred this past storm, really solidifies the need to rebuild that structure,” said Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs.
The Marina remains locked in ice, making it difficult to fully assess the damage until conditions improve. Details on dock repairs will remain uncertain, but no matter the extent of the work ahead, one thing is clear: boating season will go on.
“There will be a 2026 boating season. That is a separate issue. We are working on that, but in the long term, you know, the rebuild of that Marina with newer, newer infrastructure is something we look for some grant funding,” said Kovacs.
The Cinder Pond Marina is 31 years old and well beyond its 20-year expected life. So replacing it is no surprise.
Now back on dry land, you’ll have to wait a little longer to park your car overnight on Marquette streets, as the winter parking ban is being extended.
“Because of some of the needs that we still have in clearing out those snow banks and some of those more narrow streets, we need to take care of those. And not having those vehicles on the street at night is really helpful for them. Just pushing it back, just pushing it back by 15 days,” said Kovacs.
