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Macomb County officials outline 'blue economy' strategy, tourism and marina capacity on Lake St. Clair
Summary
Macomb County officials and the Macomb Chamber presented a Blue Economy Task Force report highlighting high marina occupancy, tourism potential, federal restoration funding and proposals for waterfront hotels and commercial harbors.
Macomb County officials and the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce presented the county’s Blue Economy Task Force findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism, describing Lake St. Clair and adjacent waters as an important regional asset with high recreational and economic use.
Kelly Livadi, CEO of the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, and Jerry Santoro, program director for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, described extensive private and public marina capacity, high occupancy rates and tourism activity. Santoro said the county has about 21,000 total boat slips (including private slips) and about 7,000 slips at operating marinas; the task force estimated roughly 1.5–2 million visits per year to county waters.
Santoro said federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative dollars and other bipartisan federal funds have supported local restoration and infrastructure. He cited roughly $50,000,000 in direct restoration funds and $132,000,000 invested in public works to reduce combined‑sewer overflows and improve water quality. The presenters said these investments are improving lake conditions and enabling growth in angling and charters.
The task force identified opportunities including waterfront hotels and conference centers, expanded marina and harbor capacity for dinner cruises and commercial services, and mixed‑income housing to promote year‑round waterfront use and economic sustainability. Presenters noted a hotel “desert” on the waterfront and said private investors are exploring proposals.
Committee members asked about partnerships with adjacent jurisdictions, including Detroit and Wayne County, and presenters described cross‑jurisdictional promotion and shared touristic connections. The presenters said they would work with private developers and state economic development agencies on potential waterfront investments.
What happens next: The county will continue outreach to state economic development entities and local governments on proposed projects and potential regulatory considerations for waterfront development.
