Commission proclaims 25th anniversary of Superior Watershed Partnership, cites multi‑million-dollar projects

The Marquette City Commission on Monday approved a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) and commending its partnership with the city. The proclamation passed unanimously, 6–0, and Mayor Henley invited Tyler Penrod of the SWP to receive it.

Commissioner Sally Davis moved to approve the proclamation and authorize the mayor to sign; Commissioner Ottaway seconded. The commission approved the proclamation 6 to 0.

Mayor Henley outlined projects and grant awards the city and SWP have worked on together, citing a mile-long coastal restoration along Lakeshore Boulevard funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Coastal Resiliency Grant for $2,500,000; port infrastructure improvements supported by a U.S. Maritime Administration Port Infrastructure Development Program award of $1,600,000; two high‑speed EV chargers funded by the Charge Up Michigan grant for $168,405; a Cultural Center and Trailhead project supported by a DNR Spark Grant ($458,000) and MEDC funding ($583,000); and a National Endowment for the Arts award of $100,000 for the Cultural Trail Project. The mayor said SWP “has become a national leader in innovative environmental programs” and commended the organization’s local workforce development efforts.

Tyler Penrod of the SWP accepted the proclamation and thanked the commission and staff. He said SWP staff have prioritized potential wildfire hotspots in the Upper Peninsula and that funding is available to address brush and hazardous-tree clearing on residential and municipal properties, and offered continued collaboration with the city.