The city of Marquette received a $1 million federal grant to evaluate and diminish erosion along Lake Shore Boulevard, the city's main artery bordering the Lake Superior waterfront. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which sponsored the grant, will underwrite 35 percent of costs beyond the first $1 million, assuming the city pays 65 percent. The total cost to repair the erosion on the heavily used street is not known.
Area officials, who have been fighting for the street's repair for years, are pleased the issue is being addressed. The erosion is so great that Lake Shore Boulevard may have to be relocated. But this would not be the first time the street had to be moved. According to the city's historic records, unrelated events in the 1920s and '30s forced officials to relocate the street. Since then, a harbor breakwater was built to protect the ore dock and small boats. But that altered currents near the shoreline, ultimately causing the present erosion problems.
—Rosie Cataldo
