The St. Joseph River plays a crucial role in the economy and recreation of Berrien County, Michigan. For years, local communities have struggled with maintaining the river’s navigability, particularly when water levels fluctuate and the river becomes difficult to access. To address these challenges, the City of St. Joseph, the City of Benton Harbor, and St. Joseph Charter Township have come together to form the St. Joseph River Harbor Authority. This new entity will oversee vital dredging projects and ensure the long-term upkeep of the river, benefiting local businesses, recreational users, and the community as a whole.
The Need for a Harbor Authority
The St. Joseph River flows through three bordering communities—St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, and St. Joseph Charter Township. Every year, local marina owners face the challenge of fluctuating water levels. These changes often impact boating, a key part of the local economy. When water levels drop, the river can become impassable for recreational watercraft, leading to a scramble for temporary fixes.
For years, the Army Corps of Engineers has been responsible for maintaining the river’s shipping routes where the river meets Lake Michigan. However, upriver, where the majority of recreational boating occurs, there has been no formal management entity in place to address the challenges.
“It’s become even more apparent in the last year for the need to have an entity like the harbor authority,” said Dan Fette, Berrien County’s Director of Community Development. “The water levels throughout the Great Lakes basin are very low right now, and the St. Joe River has become, in some cases, impassable for recreational watercraft.”
With a growing sense of urgency and the need for a shared solution, the St. Joseph River Harbor Authority was formed.
Structure and Formation of the Harbor Authority
The creation of the Harbor Authority is a collaborative effort among the City of St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, and St. Joseph Charter Township. The initiative has been five years in the making, with COVID-19 interrupting its progress along the way. Finally, in a meeting on Monday night, the Harbor Authority was officially established as a municipal corporation.
This new authority will function as a joint venture between the three communities, allowing them to work together to address the river’s needs in a more coordinated and efficient manner. “This gives us the opportunity to work together to make sure that we are appropriately investing in this area,” said Emily Hackworth, St. Joseph’s city manager.
Key Responsibilities of the Harbor Authority
The St. Joseph River Harbor Authority will take on several critical tasks to ensure the river remains accessible and functional for both recreation and commerce. Some of the key responsibilities of the authority include:
- River Dredging: The most immediate need the Harbor Authority will address is the dredging of the St. Joseph River. With fluctuating water levels and areas of the river becoming difficult to navigate, regular dredging will help maintain a clear path for recreational boats and shipping vessels.
- Waterway Regulations: The authority will also be empowered to adopt ordinances to regulate the recreational use of the river, ensuring safety and sustainability for all users.
- Shoreline Improvements: Over time, the Harbor Authority will work to recommend and implement improvements to the shoreline properties, making the area more inviting for both residents and visitors. This could include enhancing public spaces, developing waterfront amenities, and addressing environmental concerns.
- Long-Term Work Plans: The Harbor Authority will create a comprehensive work plan for the future of the river. This plan will outline the steps to maintain and improve the river and its surrounding areas, and provide guidance on long-term projects.
Community and Economic Impact
The creation of the St. Joseph River Harbor Authority is not just a win for local governments but also for local businesses, especially those in the marina and tourism industries. The river is a key asset for Berrien County, drawing both recreational boaters and tourists who enjoy the view of ships coming and going from Lake Michigan.
“People love seeing the ships come in and out, it’s just really essential that we maintain the harbor,” said Hackworth. A healthy and accessible river means thriving businesses, improved tourism, and increased community engagement.
For local marina owners, the Harbor Authority offers the promise of more reliable dredging and maintenance. “It’s unusual in that the St. Joe River passes right through the middle of three bordering communities,” said Fette, highlighting the unique collaboration that will benefit everyone involved.
Governance and Operation of the Harbor Authority
The St. Joseph River Harbor Authority will be governed by a seven-member board. Each of the three participating municipalities—St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, and St. Joseph Charter Township—will appoint two members to the board. These appointees will then select a seventh member through a joint decision.
Together, the seven members will be responsible for creating a strategic work plan to guide the authority’s activities. The work plan will prioritize projects like dredging, shoreline improvements, and recreational developments. Through this collaborative governance model, the municipalities will ensure the river is well-managed and accessible for years to come.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the Harbor Authority will focus on immediate challenges like dredging and improving waterway access, the long-term vision involves more ambitious projects. These may include enhancing the shoreline to create better public spaces, investing in sustainable maintenance, and expanding recreational opportunities along the river.
Funding will be a crucial component of the authority’s work. While the exact financial structure is still being developed, a combination of public funds, grants, and potentially private partnerships could be used to support ongoing dredging and maintenance efforts.
Conclusion
The St. Joseph River Harbor Authority is an important step toward preserving the river’s accessibility for recreational boaters, commercial vessels, and the broader community. By bringing together three municipalities, this new authority ensures that the river’s maintenance will be managed in a coordinated, sustainable way. In the years ahead, the authority will not only address immediate challenges but will also work to improve the riverfront for residents and visitors alike. With a clear vision for the future, the St. Joseph River Harbor Authority is poised to make a lasting impact on Berrien County’s waterfront communities.