(New Buffalo, MI) - Boaters from out of town are making full use of the once flooded transient marina in New Buffalo.

           

All of the municipal slips underwater last year from a record high Lake Michigan are now dry from being raised about 13 inches above their previous mark.

 

It didn’t take long for boaters relying on the docks for short visits here to reserve slips for the rest of the season once the work was completed in early August.

 

“We’re booked,” said New Buffalo City Manager Dave Richards.

 

King Company out of Holland, Michigan removed the over 20 slips just west of Whittaker St. bridge after the city council in November approved the contract for more than $135,000.

 

The slips were given a fresh coat of paint and reinstalled just over a foot above the water.

 

Originally, the work was supposed to be finished by Memorial Day but COVID-19 caused delays in finishing the job.

 

Richards said the transient marina helps drive the local economy by giving boaters from elsewhere a place to dock while using local hotels, restaurants and shops during short stays.

 

“It’s extremely important. It’s part of our identity so we’re glad to get it back in use,” he said.

 

The slips also generate money for the city which charges a rental fee which varies depending on the size of the boat.

 

There was some consideration given to replacing the slips anchored to poles with floatable docks because of how much the lake has risen and forecasts for levels to go even higher.

 

The cost of floatable docks, though, was determined to be cost prohibitive.

 

Richards said the slips now level with the concrete walkway at the marina should remain dry unless the lake goes up considerably higher.

 

“We got a little bit of room to play with,” he said.