Port Huron City Council is moving ahead with a major funding request for long-term repairs to the Black River Canal.
Council this week approved the submission of a grant application for $6.5 million through the federal Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations program. The project would focus on upgrades designed to reduce the risk of flooding and structural issues along the canal.
Planned work includes installing a new tainter gate and lift system, along with shoreline stabilization and erosion control.
The city’s required local match is currently $545,140, though City Manager James Freed says depending on requirements, Congress could ask for a larger share from the city.
Freed says in some cases the match can reach 25 percent of the total project cost, which is roughly $1.7 million. He also says the city is prepared to meet that level if needed, potentially with support from Fort Gratiot and Port Huron Townships.
Freed also credits Congresswoman Lisa McClain and her office with helping move the project forward through the federal process.
City officials expect to know whether the funding request is approved sometime before May.
