Macomb County Blue Economy task force outlines Lake St. Clair economic and restoration strategy

Representatives from the Macomb County Blue Economy Task Force told the committee that Lake St. Clair and its connecting waters generate significant economic activity and are the focus of a multi‑sector restoration and development strategy.

Kelly Livati (Macomb County Chamber), Jerry Santoro (Macomb County Planning and Economic Development), and Steve Remias (Lake St. Clair tourism) described the task force’s work. They said Macomb County has about 21,000 total boat slips (including private residential slips), roughly 7,000 within marinas, and close to full occupancy at marinas during the boating season. The task force reported about 1.5–2 million visits per year to Lake St. Clair and estimated an annual regional economic impact for Macomb County in the range of $1.6 billion to more than $2 billion (task force figures adjusted for inflation were cited).

Presenters described restoration investments, including about $32 million in public works projects to reduce combined sewer overflows, and federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds passed through state agencies for habitat and water quality work. They said Lake St. Clair accounts for a disproportionately high share of fishing pressure compared with its surface area and highlighted televised fishing events and tourism draws.

The task force reported a completed hotel/conference study by JLL that identified opportunities for waterfront hotels and conference facilities and said the group is exploring proposals that could involve private investment and state economic development assistance. Members asked about coordination with Wayne County and regional marketing; presenters said they have partnered with Detroit tourism officials and regional stakeholders to promote the waterway corridor.

A correction was noted in the meeting: one presenter clarified their referenced study date as February 2024 (not 2014).