Waterways Program (Harbor) Grants – Engineering Grant Program

The Waterways Program Grants provide financial and technical assistance for the design and construction of public recreational boating facilities, including state-sponsored harbor and mooring facilities. The Engineering Grant Program specifically funds contracted preliminary engineering studies for these facilities, which may include conceptual layouts, topographic and hydrographic surveying, soil borings, wave studies, littoral drift studies, environmental and historical studies, feasibility studies, permitting, and preliminary engineering and design.

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. Grant applicants must exhibit satisfactory performance on past Michigan DNR grants for proposal consideration.

To apply, applicants must submit an application form. DNR staff conducts a technical review. Grants are awarded based on department review, prioritization, and funding appropriation. Applications are accepted at all times but must be received by the program manager by 5 PM EST, April 1 of the application year, for funding consideration.