Elmwood Township and the company that owns the former Harleysville building moved a step closer Tuesday toward a joint project to enlarge their marinas.

The Township Board at its monthly meeting gave its approval to apply to the state of Michigan for a permit allowing the township and CenterPointe to develop the waterfront and bottomlands in Grand Traverse Bay near their common border into boat slips.

"CenterPointe is ready to apply to the state with our part of the application," said Tim Tull, who represented the company at the meeting.

The latest drawing provides space for 21 boat slips that would be available to Elmwood Township along the south side of a pier extending westward 432 feet into the bay from the property line separating the Elmwood Marina from CenterPointe. Original plans called for only 12 slips controlled by the township along a 262-foot pier at a cost of about $130,000.

No update in price was provided with documentation provided the board.

CenterPointe would be responsible for the cost to build 31 slips located along two smaller piers extending northwest from the common pier.

The state has suggested that Elmwood and CenterPointe work together should they seek to enlarge their marina facilities.