Feds join MDEQ in seeking comment on tribe’s proposal.

Members of the public are being afforded another opportunity to provide comment on plans by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to construct a marina in Peshawbestown on West Grand Traverse Bay.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has posted notice of the tribe’s application to dredge part of the 11.62 acres of Lake Michigan bottomland for the marina.

Earlier, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality provided an opportunity for the public to comment on the tribe’s request to lease the bottomland from the state. The deadline for commenting on that application was Feb. 7.

The Army Corps of Engineers has set a March 13 deadline for public comment on the tribe’s request to dredge about 62,000 cubic yards of sediment to deepen the marina. The tribe also plans to install riprap along the shoreline, construct stone breakwaters and install navigation lights for the marina. All public comment must be submittted in writing and refer to file number LRE-2007-01070-56/07-45-0107. Those providing public comment may also request that a public hearing be held to consider the tribe’s application.

Comments should be filed with Charles M. Simon, Chief, Permit Evaluation Branch A, Regulatory Office, Detroit District, Corps of Engineers, P.O. Box 1027, Detroit, MI 482321. Comments may also be mailed to April R.Champion@lre02.usace.army.mil and must include a name and mailing address.

Additional information about the tribe’s application may be directed to April Champion at the Corps of Engineers, or by phone at (313) 226-5380.

Earlier this month, tribal officials learned that they will receive nearly $1 million in funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help pay for the estimated $5 million marina construction project. The proposed 100- to 120-slip marina will be located just north of the tribe’s Eagletown Market gas station and convenience store on the east side of M-22 in Peshawbestown on the tribe’s reservation.