Staff warns cruise visits and federal dredging will complicate Alpena harbor season

Alpena marina staff told the committee that planned cruise-ship visits and a federal dredging project will make this summer particularly busy and will require careful coordination among the city, contractors and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Staff said representatives from an American cruise company have indicated plans to use part of the Alpena Harbor but had not delivered a written operational plan; staff set a hard deadline the following day for submission of the cruise operator's paperwork so the city and Coast Guard can review arrival times, security needs and docking arrangements. Committee members raised concerns about vessel length, turning radius and whether vessels have gangways for tendering passengers.

Separately, staff said bids are open for Corps of Engineers-funded dredging of the South Riverfront shipping channel and related staging work; the Corps revised the plan to remove roughly 30,000 cubic yards of material and extend the dredge footprint well into the bay. Staff warned contractors will need space in South Riverfront for barges and dredging equipment and said dredging may displace some anchoring or require alternate anchorages during portions of the season.

Staff also reviewed marina fee guidance noting per-foot tie-up rates apply and that the city ordinance allows flexibility to set commercial rates for operations in the marina. Committee members said the city must confirm fee terms with commercial operators and ensure adequate security and DPW support whenever cruise vessels are scheduled.

Staff said they will continue to press cruise operators for written plans, coordinate with the Coast Guard and advise the committee as plans and contractor schedules for dredging are finalized.