The Marquette City Commission previously approved a grant application through the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) at their July 26, 2021 meeting.  The proposed dredging project is located between the mouth of the Dead River and the unloading conveyor near the ore dock.  The dredge material will used to reroute the mouth of the Dead River and for shoreline protection and stabilization along the Lake Superior shoreline between Hawley Street and Fair Avenue.  If surplus material is leftover, it may be placed on the north portion of the Cliffs-Dow site for future reuse.  The City is partnering with Cliffs Natural Resources on this project with Cliffs funding the required non-federal match as shown in the attached Memorandum of Understanding.  An extensive Environmental Assessment (EA) of the project has been completed and resulted in a finding of no significant impact (FONSI).  MARAD has reviewed the EA/FONSI and has provided a grant agreement which will require City approval.

None.  The City contracted portion of this project will be fully reimbursed by USDOT/MARAD.  Cliffs Natural Resources has agreed to fund the required grant match under a separate contract.   

Approve the grant agreement with MARAD, and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement.