Detroit Marinas

​Detroit Marina Excavation and Resiliency Project

The Economic Engine of the North Santiam Canyon

The Detroit Marina Excavation and Resiliency Project is critical to providing economic security for the rural timber communities in the North Santiam Canyon.  In 2020, these areas were devastated first by the COVID-19 pandemic that brought travel and tourism to a halt, and then by the catastrophic Beachie Creek/Lionshead wildfires that consumed 193,573 and 204,469 acres in the immediately adjacent recreation area.

Detroit Lake is the primary outdoor recreation activity that draws outside visitors that are crucial to the economic recovery of the region.  Detroit Lake Marina and Kane's Marina serve as the economic engines for the area.  Area businesses depend on a recreational season of May 1st to October 1st to maintain solvency year-round.

The surrounding communities, which are low-income, would experience a direct benefit through employment.  The estimated direct and indirect economic impacts from the completion of the project throughout the region are estimated at $1.2 million annually.  Over 20 years, the net present value economic estimate in the region would be $14.6 million.

Once complete, this project will extend the recreation season at Detroit Lake to ensure a full summer recreation season.  This will expand access for users and profitability for the local recreation industry, which is the economic backbone of the community.  In addition to supporting critical economic development in the North Santiam Canyon, this project will expand outdoor recreation access to Detroit Lake for individuals across the State of Oregon.

A Regional Priority

This project enjoys widespread community support including Marion County, Detroit Lake Marina, Kane's Marina, state and regional recreation and travel organizations, and the Detroit Lake Area Business and Recreation Association.  Additionally, the local jurisdictions throughout the surrounding North Santiam area are strong supporters of this project.  Letters of support have been provided by USACE, USFS, Marion County, City of Detroit, and State Representative Jami Cate.

Supported by the Marion County HUD Consolidated Plan?

Marion County's Five-Year Consolidated Plan included Public Facilities & Infrastructure and Economic Development as Priority Needs in the county.  This project will address those priority needs, support stated goals of the plan to invest in public facilities and infrastructure, and encourage economic development.
Marion County 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan

Boosts Regional Resiliency and Access

This project is intended to provide resiliency and equitable access to recreation opportunities at Detroit Lake.  In recent years, the water level at the Detroit Reservoir has been inconsistent from drying weather patterns, downstream habitat temperature control requirements, and municipal water needs.  This regionally significant project will provide physical and economic resilience by allowing the marinas and surrounding regional businesses to extend the lake recreation season, increasing their long-term viability.  Moreover, these rural communities in the North Santiam Canyon were devastated by catastrophic wildfires in 2020 and need every opportunity to economically recover.  This project will ensure equitable access to recreate at Detroit Lake, including low-income and rural residents throughout the North Santiam Canyon.

Project Status

In order to meet the project deadlines, the County intends to contract out the location selection, permit consulting, engineering, and construction management portions of the project.  The relevant state and federal agencies have already been engaged with this project and have weighed in on what remains unresolved.  Once a suitable location for the sediment is selected the remaining engineering and planning can occur.

More Information

For more information about the Detroit Marina Excavation and Resiliency Project, please contact the Economic Development Coordinator, Kellie Weese, at kweese@co.marion.or.us