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Port Huron council hears calls to halt canal repairs as costs and funding shortfalls grow
Summary
Residents urged the city to stop spending on Black River Canal repairs after township partners declined to contribute. City Manager James Fried said bids came in far over estimate, the canal gate fabrication would take more than 20 months, and most repair costs are for bank armoring rather than the gate itself.
Port Huron — Residents pressed the City of Port Huron to halt work and curb accumulating debt on Black River Canal repairs at the council’s February meeting, saying township neighbors who also use the waterway should share costs.
“Taxpayer dollars from the citizens of the city of Port Huron should not be allocated to cover the cost of repairs and maintenance for the Black River Canal,” said Marcus Middleton, a city resident.
Why it matters: The canal is a visible city asset and a driver of tourism; repair estimates and who must pay have become a central point of dispute. City staff told the council the price and schedule of repairs differ sharply from earlier expectations.
City Manager James Fried told the council he had been optimistic about opening the canal this year…
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