Contact: Tim Ervin or Betsy Keson
231-723-4325
For Immediate Release
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PROPOSALS SOUGHT TO CONSTRUCT
MANISTEE LAKE FISHING PIERS
Manistee, Michigan -- Providing universal access to one of the most productive salmon and trout fisheries in the United States is the goal of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to construct and install two Manistee Lake Fishing Piers.
With funding provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust to the Manistee-based Alliance for Economic Success, proposals are being sought from qualified contractors to manage, design, construct and install two fishing piers during 2008 to provide universally accessible opportunities for recreational fishing for Great Lakes migratory fish species at two locations on Manistee Lake:
■ The Arthur Street (US 31) Boat Launch, owned and operated by the City of Manistee
■ The Stronach Boat Launch, operated and maintained by the Department of Natural Resources and owned by Stronach Township.
A total of $272,450 in funds provided by the Fishery Trust is available to construct and install both piers.
Responses to the RFP are required by 5 p.m. on February 22, 2008 at the Alliance for Economic Success (AES). A copy of the RFP is attached to this news release or may be obtained by going to www.allianceforeconomicsuccess.com or by calling 231-723-4325. The AES is coordinating the RFP process on behalf of the City of Manistee, Stronach Township and the DNR.
“Salmon and trout spell business in Manistee County,” said Renee’ Ihlenfeldt, Executive Director of the AES. Our economic development strategy, the strategy for the City of Manistee as well as our county visioning effort all reflected the importance of tourism and recreation and universal access to fresh water as being of critical importance to our economic well-being and quality of life. These flagship initiatives, supported by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, are the first of what we hope will be a series of efforts to enable people of all abilities to enjoy some of the finest angling opportunities in the world right here in Manistee County.”
Ihlenfeldt said that the Big and Little Manistee Rivers flow into Manistee Lake and support significant natural reproduction of salmon and trout species. The port of Manistee is consistently ranked among the top ports for annual landings of salmon and trout.
The contractor selected will be required to ensure that the project design conforms to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and incorporates public ideas and input in the design process. The goal is to have both piers constructed and installed in time for the 2008 fall migratory run of salmon and trout. It is anticipated that both piers will be floating structures and include universally accessible walkways to and from the piers.
A project Steering Committee has been formed to help select the contractor and oversee the project. The Steering Committee includes representation from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, City of Manistee, Stronach Township, Manistee County Sport Fishing Association, Manistee Charter Boat Association, Manistee County Community Foundation, Manistee Convention and Visitors Bureau, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Alliance for Economic Success.