4 Developing a real maritime strategy for downtown

The City of New Baltimore will be receiving $2 million in grant money from the state to put towards our harbor project downtown. This ultimately will be a down payment for engineering and planning costs. The project is largely taken from a neighboring community whose goal was to preserve fishing and wildlife. I disagree with the current trajectory for this project, proposing instead we expand our scope and consider alternatives. I will look to leverage my experience and connections in this industry to first study the real economic impact and opportunities an actual harbor will present. Considering what amenities, services, and future economic development opportunities will look like allows us to reorient this project from its currently narrow recreational scope. In doing so, we open up the options for bonding or lending to create a larger more sustainable harbor. One that can grow as travel and leisure markets develop along our lakes and rivers. Most importantly, we protect the residents from financial burdens associated with this undoubtedly expensive endeavor.