While the higher than average water levels are causing havoc for some industries, it certainly is not for the Washington Island Ferry. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, water levels in Lake Michigan have risen seven inches in the past month with another two possible in June thanks to the wet spring. For the Washington Island Ferry, high lake levels mean fewer adjustments for their ramps and docks, though the big jumps between highs and lows are not good either. Washington Island Ferry President Hoyt Purinton says high lake levels also save them on the big expense of dredging before the season even starts.

Purinton says the strong economy and stable fuel prices helped the Washington Island Ferry get by to work on additional projects even as they annually spent thousands of dollars on dredging during the years of low water levels.