Grand Portage hosts groundbreaking ceremony for long-awaited Hat Point Ferry Terminal project
On the morning of Nov. 15, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will move forward in celebration with plans to redevelop the Hat Point Marina in Grand Portage, Minn.
The project received support in Sept. 2019 following the U.S. Department of Commerce announcing that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarding a $3.2 million grant to the Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council to help redevelop the Hat Point Marina and Ferry Terminal, matched with an additional $2 million in local investment.
Unfortunately, the pandemic began shortly after that, hindering momentum and development plans.
Nevertheless, there has been a revival of plans in recent months, and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will host a groundbreaking ceremony at the Hat Point Marina on Nov. 15 at 9 a.m.
The Grand Portage Tribal Council has been working closely with AMI, an engineering consultant firm, to develop preliminary layouts, 3D renderings, engineering reports, and cost estimates for the project. The Hat Point Ferry Terminal project will include rebuilding the ferry terminal dock, public docks, ticketing, restroom building, parking lot improvements, electrical upgrades, and relocating and rebuilding the deteriorated boat ramp.
AMI draft renderings of Hat Point Ferry Terminal project:
The proposed plan is to demolish and expand the ferry docks to provide two safe harbor terminals for the Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Line. The transportation line includes the Voyageur II, a 65-foot vessel that transports passengers and mail to Isle Royale National Park from May to October each year.
The site will include a permanent building supporting space and seating for up to 200 individuals. The building will house restrooms, a concession and ticketing area, two ferry terminal offices, and storage.
WTIP will attend the groundbreaking ceremony at Hat Point Marina in Grand Portage and will have pictures, video, and a full report following the event.
Kalli Hawkins November 15, 2023
