The Department of Natural Resources today announced that the Lake Mecosta boating access site, located in Morton Township in Mecosta County, will be closed for needed site upgrades as soon as the spring road restrictions are lifted. Upgrades will include asphalt paving, improvements in drainage and barrier-free accessibility.

The improvements will benefit users of the site by providing more efficient use of parking space and enhanced maneuverability at the boat launch approach area. It has also been found that asphalt paving of boating sites saves public dollars in the long run, as many gravel sites require perpetual maintenance, including grading, erosion repair, and regular replenishment of surface aggregate.

This project is being funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, derived from boat registration fees and a portion of the Michigan marine fuel tax.

Isabella Corporation of Mt. Pleasant, the project's general contractor, has said they had planned on starting the project on April 6, but the road restrictions have not yet been lifted. They will begin the project immediately after the road restrictions are lifted, and anticipate completing the project by May 15.

For more information or updates regarding this project, contact the boating access site supervisor Eric Fransen at 989-386-4067.