PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge has named its first-ever cohort of maritime grant recipients, chosen to help support electric boating and charging deployments across Northwest Michigan in an aim to further clean boating throughout the region.
“The Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge, along with today’s grant recipients, represent a critical investment in our water recreation infrastructure that will help to attract visitors, create jobs and preserve the natural beauty of our lakes and waterways for generations to come,” says Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “By expanding access to e-boats and charging solutions, Michigan will further foster a thriving mobility ecosystem that supports local businesses, enhances community offerings and boosts overall economic growth. It’s a testament to our commitment to sustainable innovation and the immense value we place on our precious water resources.”
Six recipients will receive a total of $506,000 to help establish an evolving network of shore-side charging facilities for electric, clean-fueled vessels.
“With this first round of grant funding, Michigan is embarking on a monumental journey to build out its waterway transit systems, setting a precedent that can influence best practices nationwide,” adds Kathryn Snorrason, interim chief mobility officer for the state of Michigan. “By incorporating e-boats and charging solutions into our marinas, we are not only embracing sustainable transportation but also revitalizing our water-based infrastructure. This is just the beginning of our path toward a more efficient, environmentally friendly and interconnected water transportation network.”
Arc Boat Company, Aqua superPower, Hercules Electric Mobility, Lilypad Labs, Michigan Technological University and Voltaic Marine are this year’s cohort of grant recipients chosen to help further the transition to electric marine power in the state of Michigan.
“The six projects funded through the first-of-its-kind Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge will not only showcase the Grand Traverse region as the epicenter for the new electric and sustainable boating industry, but further develop our Blue Economy and contribute to more significant economic growth,” says Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “We look forward to supporting the work of the awarded organizations and helping them expand their operations in the region.”
Demo Day for the various electric boat technologies will be held on August 24 from 2pm to 5pm at Elk Rapids Marina in Elk Rapids, Michigan.
To learn more, visit michiganbusiness.org.
