Detroit Marina Excavation and Resiliency Project
The Detroit Marina Excavation and Resiliency Project Consists of the strategic excavation and relocation of 162,000 cubic yards of sediment underneath the existing boat docks during the winter reservoir draw down period(s) at the Detroit Lake Reservoir. This excavation will enable the marinas to operate down to 1,525 feet, ensuring a full recreation season.
Due to drying weather pattern, downstream habitat temperature control requirements and municipal water needs, Detroit Lake has routinely failed to reach the "full pool" seasonal depth necessary to support a robust and viable lake recreation season. Detroit Lake Marina and Kane's Marina lay upon shallow shelves, requiring the marinas to close their docks increasingly earlier as water is drained from the lake.
As the primary outdoor recreation destination in the North Santiam Canyon, all area businesses depend on a recreation season of May 1st to October 1st to maintain solvency year-round. Approximately 60% of annual revenue for these businesses is generated in the month of August alone. This project would ensure a full summer recreation season extending by almost two months access for users and profitability for local businesses.
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.
Projects Components | Status |
Piling Dredge Plan | Complete |
Heritage & Archeology Study at Excavation Site | Complete |
Draft Biological Assessment, NMFS states it is SLOPES Compliant | Complete |
Application Joint Permit Applications have been submitted to USACE | Submitted, in "Withdrawal" status and can be re-opened when ready |
Department of State Lands Public Noticing and Comment Period | Complete |
Sec. 408 Permit Application | Not Started |
NEPA Process | Will be completed USACE upon funding being secured |
Dredging, Inundation, Constructions, and Transport Plan to include water disposal plan, stabilization plan, and contingency plan for weather. | Not Started |
In-Water Work Window Variance to DSL | Not Started |
Sediment Evaluation Framework Development to include excavation plan, sequencing, layering, upstream or downstream placement, seasons of work, and sediment exposures | Not Started |
PSET Review and possible Solid Waste Letter of Authorization if required | Not Started |
More Information
For more information about the Detroit Marina Excavation and Resiliency Project, please contact us at MCEconomicDevelopment@co.marion.or.us