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Grant will help city of Marquette install new day use docks

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The city of Marquette has been awarded a Water Recreation Access Cost-Share grant through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that will help install new day use docks at the current location of the handicap fishing dock. The fishing dock will be moved downstream, closer to Bloody Run’s confluence with the Mississippi River. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

 

The city of Marquette has been awarded a Water Recreation Access Cost-Share (WRAC) grant through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that will help install new day use docks on the riverfront.

 

The WRAC grant, recently approved by the Natural Resource Commission, will cover $108,075 of the $144,269 project.

 

According to Marquette City Clerk Bonnie Basemann, the project will include installing new day use docks for boating, kayak and canoe visitors at the current location of the handicap fishing dock. 

 

“We have the marina, but all the slips are full, and we can’t accommodate everyone for day use,” Basemann said. “I’ve had a lot of phone calls just this past year of people who want to come and visit the winery or casino. It’s increased business when people can also come to town by boat.”

 

Kayak and canoe ramps are being included in the project at the request of residents, to make launching easier, Basemann added. She feels it will also be an asset to visitors.

 

“If people are canoeing the river, this can be a place to stop,” she said. “They can use the restroom or eat lunch. It will bring more business to town.”

 

In addition to installing new day use docks, this project also involves moving the handicap fishing dock downstream, to better fishing near Bloody Run’s confluence with the Mississippi River.

 

While the day use docks should be installed in 2023, Basemann anticipates the fishing pier portion will be completed the following year.

 

“We’ve been working with the DNR out of Guttenberg,” she said, “and the dock commission and city council are in support of this.”

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