ESCANABA – Escanaba Green Energy said it expects to close on the sale of the Escanaba Power Plant by the end of September. The company notified the city of the possibility Thursday.

In a statement to Escanaba City Manager Jim O’Toole, EGE said the provider of the company’s down payment for a $30 million loan is in the process of transferring the money. O’Toole told the Escanaba City Council Thursday that he hopes to have more firm information by the joint meeting with the Escanaba Electrical Advisory Committee next Wednesday.

Escanaba Green Energy is purchasing the plant for $1.6 million. They plan to convert the plant into a biomass facility.

Harbor Dredging
The Escanaba City Council approved a contract Thursday to dredge the Escanaba Harbor. They accepted the bid of nearly $143-thousand from MCM Marine of Sault Ste. Marie. Dredging is expected to begin within two weeks.

The company will remove sand from the mouth and basin of the harbor. It is being paid for by a grant from the Department of Natural Resources.

Historical Downtown
Downtown Escanaba is one step closer to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Escanaba City Council approved a resolution last night asking the Michigan Historic Preservation Board to recommend the designation.

The state board meets later this month.