NEGAUNEE –The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has awarded the city of Negaunee a grant for $82,600.

This grant funding will be used to upgrade the Negaunee beach area with guidance from Michigan State University’s Teal Lake Shoreline Climate and Health Adaptation Vision project, a visioning project that was completed in July.

The upgrades will include expanding the beach area to nearly double the sandy area, as well as relocating the piping from the street surface storm water system further into the lake and installing a mat and ramp to make the beach accessible by wheelchair.

The estimated cost of the project is $107,700, with the city of Negaunee contributing a 25% match as part of the MDARD grant stipulation. The city’s match will be just over $25,000, officials said.

City officials encourage residents to get involved by attending meetings of the Negaunee Planning Commission, as well as the Negaunee Parks and Recreation Commission and the Negaunee City Council.