Saxon Harbor marina reopens today

SAXON, Wis. — It’s been 3 years, 1 month and 19 days since flooding from the July 11, 2016 storm, destroyed Saxon Harbor. Today, for the first time since that storm, boats will be able to use the harbor’s marina again.

The marina’s new docks and boat launches are open for public use, however, county officials are asking visitors to be patient over the next few weeks while some of the final cosmetic work is completed around the marina.

“Go down and enjoy, but understand there’s still some work that’s being finished up,” Iron County Forestry and Parks Administrator Eric Peterson told the Daily Globe Thursday.

He also asked that people be aware of the site’s truck traffic, as the harbor remains an active construction site with work continuing in order to hit the targeted 2020 campground opening. The campground was another loss in the flooding of the 2016 storm that also claimed the life of Mitch Koski when his truck was swept away in the flooded Oronto Creek at the harbor.

Although the marina is open, it won’t have all it’s amenities available right away.

Peterson said water and power will be available at the marina today, but it will be a little longer before boaters can get fuel at the harbor.

The county had already agreed to offer boaters reduce rates to dock in the marina, in recognition of the shortened boating season.

This season, boaters can pay $50 a week to dock, or $1-per foot-per day to use the newly installed docks. Peterson said standard parking pass and launch rates apply for the harbor’s boat launches and day areas.

A marina attendant will be on site today for those wishing to use the marina, according to Peterson, and will be in the office behind the harbor’s pavilion.

Peterson said earlier this month the rebuilt marina has 81 slips. This is down from the previous figure of 91, but Peterson explained the smaller number was a reaction to people buying larger boats now than when the marina was originally designed.

He said the total project at the harbor is estimated at around $14 million, with the county’s share expected to be around $2 million. The remaining costs will be split between the state of Wisconsin and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Even with the harbor closed until today, the first sailboat was already back and docked Thursday — a welcome sight for Peterson.

“It’s good to see a boat back in the harbor,” he said.