(Lansing, MI) - Boaters in New Buffalo and all of Michigan are jumping for joy. The governor is now allowing motorboats to be used.

Bob Stratton is the owner of Service 1 Marine at the state line. He has about 300 boats still in storage because of the ban that was in place. He’s now getting those boats ready to start hitting the water.

Stratton said, “This is great news. A lot of boaters are anxious to get on their boats and social distance and get out of the house.” New Buffalo City resident, Dave Richards also said, "It’s good news with boating such an essential driver of the local economy. " Under the governor’s relaxed rules, people in motorboats still must practice social distancing.

Traveling between residences is also now allowed, but strongly discouraged.