The City of Kewaunee issued a press release Wednesday, saying it was closing in on the purchase of the Salmon Harbor Marina. Public input is welcomed, and residents are encouraged to reach out to their representatives on the issue. The land was identified as a crucial part of Kewaunee’s revitalization in the approved 2019 Harbor Master Plan. Since then, the city has been interviewing commercial entities who use the marina now about their needs and how they can be accommodated if the property came under city control.

The City of Kewaunee values the nine-acre parcel that stretches north to the Kewaunee Fabrication factory at $1.8 million. It expects another million dollars in improvements are necessary and has applied for an Economic Development Administration grant. If the entire amount was awarded, Kewaunee is responsible for 20 percent of the funding. Mayor Jason Jelinek says the goal is to turn the Salmon Harbor Marina into a recreational, as well as commercial, venture.

Kewaunee would then create a Harbor Commission to oversee a joint venture that includes the existing city marina and boat launch and the new facility. Jelinek stresses that the city hopes to continue to improve its existing infrastructure. He is looking at other options for the dock beside the pumps installed this year, as heavy rains still flood the area for around 24 hours. The boat launch and campground were shut down in the spring, which Jelinek says has turned out to be a blessing. He looks at the heights the water reached over the summer and said the damage that could have occurred if the RV park was full would have been “a mess.” Raising the elevation there is estimated to cost around $1 million.