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State Rep. Alicia St. Germaine pushes to brand her hometown as the heart of Michigan’s $12 billion boating economy.
Bold Move to Brand Boating Culture in Michigan
State Rep. Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township) introduced House Bill 4010 on May 20 to formally recognize Harrison Township as “Boat Town USA.” The symbolic designation is meant to underscore the importance of boating to Michigan’s identity and economy.
“Boating is big business in Michigan, having nearly $12 billion impacts on state’s economy,” said St. Germaine. “As the Great Lakes State, water is part of our identity and culture.”
The measure passed the Michigan House and is now headed to the Senate.
Boating Culture Drives Local Economies, Especially in Macomb County
The bill positions Harrison Township, located along Lake St. Clair in Macomb County, as a standout in Michigan’s recreational boating sector. St. Germaine emphasized the area’s longstanding role as a center for water-based recreation.
“Lake St. Clair is the heart of recreational boating in Michigan, and Harrison Township has long been at the center of it all,” she said. “Even Google recognizes it as ‘Boat Town USA.’”
While the bill carries no direct funding or regulatory changes, it aims to promote tourism and give the township a unique marketing edge.
Michigan’s Water-Based Identity Is at Stake
Boating is part of daily life for many Michiganders. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Michigan ranks third in the U.S. for registered boats, behind only Florida and Minnesota. The state has over 11,000 inland lakes and nearly 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline—more than any other state except Alaska.
St. Germaine argued the symbolic designation helps connect that water-based identity with economic impact.
Harrison Township Is Already Branding Itself as “Boat Town”
Locals have embraced the name “Boat Town USA” for years. Google Maps shows the nickname tagged near local marinas and boat dealers. The township’s proximity to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, numerous boat launches, and its active harbor have made it a hub for recreational and professional boaters.
The bill codifies what has long been understood in Macomb County: Harrison Township lives and breathes the boating lifestyle.
No Cost, All Visibility: Symbolic Bills Gaining Ground in Lansing
HB 4010 joins a growing list of branding-style legislative efforts in Michigan. These types of bills often have limited fiscal impact but significant visibility for local areas. State symbols—like the cherry for fruit or the white-tailed deer as the game mammal—have long served to promote Michigan’s cultural assets.
St. Germaine’s bill is not expected to face major opposition. It passed the House with bipartisan support and awaits further review in the Senate.
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