Michigan Boating Industries Association gives economic update, calls for more waterways funding

Nikki Poland, executive director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), updated the committee on the statewide boating economy and infrastructure needs.

Poland said MBIA represents roughly 1,500 marine businesses and that boating has an annual economic impact of about $11.7 billion in Michigan, supporting more than 58,000 jobs. She said Michigan moved to number two nationally in boat registrations, with a corrected registration count of about 800,000 and that roughly 90% of boats in the state are trailerable and under 20 feet.

Poland described MBIA sustainability efforts — including engine emissions reductions and shrink‑wrap recycling — and noted partnerships with the Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Clean Marina Foundation, EGLE, and Michigan Sea Grant. She said the Michigan State Waterways Fund is underfunded, last updated by fee in 1992, and recommended increasing boater registration fees to support dredging, launch maintenance, and other infrastructure. Poland also said some waterways funds currently support waterway patrols but do not directly fund aquatic invasive species prevention and that MBIA supports finding new funding sources for AIS prevention and for public power‑washing stations at ramps.

Members asked about the proposed uses for increased registration fees; Poland said funds would support boating access sites, municipal marina grants and the state’s public marinas. Chair and members thanked MBIA for the update and noted the statewide importance of boating to tourism and public health.