MARQUETTE, MI— The Marquette City Commission approved a Lakeshore Boulevard restoration project at its meeting Monday night.
The plan includes shoreline armoring and stabilization, habitat restoration, and the creation of enhanced public areas.
In May of 2022, the City conditionally awarded the contract to Smith Construction for $4.3 million while awaiting final permits. They were ultimately approved in November of 2023, and by that time, the project cost $5.8 million.
City Manager Karen Kovacs said Smith Construction and the City agreed to honor the bid past the 120-day requirement, but the unforeseen delay contributed to cost increases.
“There had been some slight modifications, and then also due to the almost 18 months here that has passed, and that updated costs were still below all originally submitted bids.”
Commissioner Cody Mayer asked if the City should have rebid the project. Kovacs said the bids were already published and rebidding would have challenged the integrity of the bidding process. The plan was approved 6-1, with Mayer as the only no vote.
Also at the meeting, the Commission approved a plan to dredge the mouth of the Dead River near the Upper Harbor ore dock. The project will realign and buffer the river outlet to a more favorable location. Dredge sands will be reused for shoreline stabilization and restoration at various locations between Fair Avenue and Hawley Street.
