Construction done for Detroit River school ship dock, pier

TRENTON, Mich. – Construction has been completed for a school ship dock and fishing pier at the gateway to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

Officials said in a release Monday the dock opens this spring. It extends 740 feet (225 metres) into the river and connects to a 200-foot (61-meter) fishing pier.

The new dock supports operations of Michigan Sea Grant’s Great Lakes school ship, which will use the river and refuge as a living laboratory for children.

Hundreds of donors contributed to the pier’s construction.

The Refuge Gateway, the site of a former automotive parts factory, was cleaned up and serves as an ecological buffer to the Humbug Marsh wetland. A visitor centre, canoe and kayak launch and other amenities also are expected to open this spring.