A St. Joseph River Harbor Authority is being formed by St. Joseph, St. Joseph Township, and Benton Harbor now that the final partner, the city of St. Joseph, has officially signed on.

At Monday’s regular meeting of the St. Joseph City Commission, commissioners approved articles of incorporation for the new authority. Berrien County Community Development Director Dan Fette told them this effort is five years in the making as a body is needed to manage the dredging of the St. Joseph River to allow for recreational boating. He said the new authority will be able to make land use recommendations around the river, accept grants and donations, and recommend regulations for use of the river.

“Most importantly, it will have the ability to implement the dredging permit activities that we have just recently acquired,” Fette said. “Berrien County, as you recall, applied for and have received a permit to dredge the river.”

Fette said the county now has all permits in place for dredging this year. Funds are being raised privately to pay for it. The new St. Joseph River Harbor Authority will also be able to raise funds beyond donations and grants.

“In time, the authority also could have the ability to raise funds through assessment districts, use fees, and other types of fees that would be levied within the district.”

Fette said establishing an assessment district isn’t in the immediate plan, but eventually that could happen.

The authority will cover the St. Joseph River from the pier heads to the Napier Avenue bridge. However, it’s primary focus will be around the island.

With all three municipalities having approved the agreement, each will now appoint two members of the seven-member authority, with the seventh member to be agreed upon by all three. Fette said the county will provide a site for the authority to hold its kickoff meeting, which has not yet been scheduled.