The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the City of Saint Clair, Mich., and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, invites the public to review and comment on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the replacement of aging transient boating facilities on the Pine River in Saint Clair.
The draft EA evaluates three alternatives, including the proposed alternative, which would construct 65 transient boating slips and associated amenities and infrastructure as part of an overall marina renovation project.
The City of Saint Clair plans to renovate existing facilities by reconstructing boating access facilities on the Pine River to provide quality access for transient boats that are 24 feet or longer. City officials have determined that to maintain adequate access, it would be necessary to replace the existing aging facilities. This would allow the city to meet increasing demand for recreational facilities generated by modern boat demands. Other benefits include enhanced safety for users and improved accessibility for disabled users.
The proposed alternative would address this need by replacing 65 transient boat slips that will include electric and water service, walkways, service building upgrades and other associated amenities. Officials believe that the proposed alternative will ensure that public needs for safety recreational boating and fishing facilities will continue to be met. Two other alternatives evaluated are to build a new 20-slip harbor across the river from the existing harbor, and an alternative that would involve no marina renovation activities.
The EA was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that applies to the actions of all federal agencies. This project is proposed by the City of Saint Clair and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for funding through Dingell-Johnson legislation (Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act), administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The draft EA is available on the Web at http://midwest.fws.gov/NEPA. Copies may be obtained from the City of Saint Clair, Michigan. Attn: Avery Armstrong, Harbormaster, 547 N. Carney, Saint Clair, MI 48079; phone 810-329-4125. Copies may be viewed at the Saint Clair City Hall or the Saint Clair Boat Harbor.
Written comments should be sent to Avery Armstrong at the above address, via e-mail:
