FAYETTE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has opened a newly constructed boat dock for mooring along Snail Shell Harbor at Fayette Historic State Park in Delta County.

Construction of the $3.1 million dock system began last fall. The old dock, which had been scheduled for replacement in 2015, was damaged during the previous winter.

“This is a great improvement for visitors to Fayette Historic State Park,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “The old dock was removed during the fall of 2015. The new dock is quite beautiful.”

Improvements at the site, which offers boating access via the harbor to Lake Michigan, include complete replacement of the old dock with a new floating dock system. The new dock has seven finger piers: one that is 38 feet long, two that are 45 feet long and four which are 60 feet long.

“Water and electric will be available through nine strategically placed pedestals along the main pier but will not be ready for use until Sept. 1,” said Randy Brown, unit supervisor at Fayette Historic State Park. “Dockage for the remainder of the season will be on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Boaters may make reservations now for slip use in 2017.

Funding for this project was provided through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s boating infrastructure grant program and the Michigan State Waterways Fund, which is derived from boater registration fees and marine fuel tax revenue.

The 711-acre Fayette Historic State Park blends nature and history with a historic townsite, a representation of a once-bustling industrial community. Visitors can learn about the town through guided tours and information from the park’s visitor center or through self-guided walks through the town site.