These Two Michigan Lighthouses Are The Most Recent “Save Our Lights” License Plate Grant Recipients
Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state, and for the last 25 years a unique program has helped preserve those historic structures. The sale of “Save Our Lights” Michigan license plates helps fund yearly Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program grants, available to nonprofit and government groups that help maintain and preserve lighthouses. This year there are two recipients of MLAP grants: the Gull Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior and the Charlevoix South Pier Light in Charlevoix.
The MLAP program has provided more than $3 million in grants since the program began, which has helped lighthouses like the Cheboygan River Front Range Light, Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, St. Helena Island Lighthouse, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Little Sable Point Light, Crisp Point Light, Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse, Whitefish Point Light Station, and more make much-needed repairs and improvements. The cost of a “Save Our Lights” license plate is $35, with $25 going to the lighthouse assistance program.
The Gull Rock Lighthouse is a lonely 1867 lighthouse located on a small island near the eastern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Automated since 1913, years of Lake Superior have not been kind to this structure. The MLAP grant of more than $46,000 will go towards cleaning and re-staining the cedar roof. “Funding will also be used to clean and repaint eaves and the exterior of the lantern room, deck, and railing, as well as install historically compatible doors at exterior entries.” We had the chance to see this remote lighthouse on a 2016 charter trip and love that it is getting the funds to keep it going for years to come.
If you’ve been to the Lake Michigan beach in Charlevoix then you’re likely familiar with the iconic red Charlevoix South Pier Light. This 1948 steel tower is 44 feet tall and marks where the Pine River channel allows vessel passage between Lake Michigan and Round Lake. The Charlevoix Historical Society received a grant of $60,000 this year to help cover the cost of exterior and interior painting and cleaning.
When the time comes to renew your license next year, consider upgrading to a “Save Our Lights” plate if you are able. The next round of grant applications are open and a new set of Michigan lighthouses will be announced early next year to receive funds to keep our lighthouses looking great!