Construction could soon begin on long-awaited repairs to the Black River Canal.
Port Huron City Manager, James Freed discussed the project during a recent interview shared to the city’s social media page.
Freed says the project is currently out for bid, with contractor proposals due by the end of the month. If the process stays on schedule, construction could begin as soon as mid-April.
The more than five-million-dollar project would rebuild sections of the canal walls, install shoreline armoring to help prevent erosion, and replace the failed Tainter gate with a new motorized one.
Funding for the work would be shared among local partners. Port Huron and Fort Gratiot townships have agreed in principle to contribute one million dollars each toward the project. The City of Port Huron would cover roughly three million dollars, possibly through a combination of general funds and potentially adding special assessment district for property owners along the Black River.
Freed says cooperation from the townships is critical, noting the project would not move forward without their financial participation.
The City Manager is expected to share additional details about the canal repairs in a presentation during Monday’s Port Huron City Council meeting.
