IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County will again seek a state grant to rehabilitate the boat launch at Lake Antoine Park, this time proposing $22,500 in matching county funds.

Last year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources denied an application for a $24,000 grant. Submitted through the Recreation Passport Grant program, the county had expected a local match of just $8,000.

This year, after getting advice from Coleman Engineering of Iron Mountain, the county will try for a $45,000 project through the DNR’s Waterways Grant program.

Controller Brian Bousley had suggested in December the county resubmit for Recreation Passport funds but only for engineering work. Rather than delay improvements, the county instead will apply through the Waterways program, which emphasizes the local match.

“We’re working with Coleman to maybe do it by next summer, but that would depend on the funding,” Bousley said. “There might also be some in-kind contributions.”

The county board approved the application Monday, just a week in advance of the April 1 deadline. About $1.75 million will be available to applicants this fiscal year, according to the DNR.

Funding, however, ultimately depends on an appropriation from the Legislature, which may take as long as two years, the DNR advises.

Ice pressure caused considerable damage to the launch in early 2018, crumbling portions of the cement base. Repairs were made to keep it functional. The damage shouldn’t be as severe this year and it will be open even it means “cobbling something together,” Bousley said.

In other action Monday, the county board:

— Approved a pay increase for part-time corrections officers from $14.80 per hour to $15.86.

— Approved buying a sound system for $3,630 from the Music Tree of Iron Mountain. The system will amplify board meetings in the circuit courtroom and also can be used for outdoor events such as the Memorial Day program.

— Approved timber harvests on county property to accommodate construction and planned improvements at the Pine Mountain ski jump. The piecemeal cuttings involve less than 5 acres, Bousley said.

— Updated an agreement with KAS Enterprises, which provides car rental services at Ford Airport. In exchange for more parking spaces and other changes, KAS will promise a share of its revenues to the county. Formerly, the airport was paid a flat fee of $4,500 annually. Under the new arrangement, the fee will be $2,400, but the airport will receive 1.5 percent of gross sales, which at the current volume would increase the county’s net take by $2,850 annually.

— Authorized the district court and probate court to fill their shared full-time position, and authorized Treasurer Lorna Carey to fill a part-time department assistant vacancy not to exceed 25 hours a week.

— Approved a resolution in support of Michigan House Bill 4227, introduced by several U.P. legislators to strengthen the mining industry. The bill would create a Committee on Michigan’s Mining Future to make advisory legislative and policy recommendations. The committee would be comprised of 15 members with governor-appointed representatives from diverse areas of industry, state departments, environmental groups, tribal members and labor groups, according to the resolution.

— At the suggestion of Commissioner Barbara Kramer, supported Michigan House Bill 4406, introduced by state Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, to expand scholarship opportunities for students in foster care who participate in skilled trades training programs.

— Will soon seek quotes for a remodeling project in the lobby of the Dickinson County Correctional Center. The work, estimated at $25,000 or more, will be funded mainly by the sale of surplus vehicles, Bousley said.

— In a 3-1 vote, allocated $350 to support the Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council. The council is a non-profit corporation that promotes conservation and plays a key role in helping secure grants and other assistance, said Bill Rice, a Dickinson Conservation District representative on the UP RC&D executive board. Chairman Henry Wender voted no, saying the dues weren’t budgeted. Commissioner Joe Stevens was absent to attend a meeting of the Michigan Association of Counties Board of Directors.

— With Wender again voting no, approved an annual administrative fee of $150 for the Northwoods Rail Transit Commission, a northern Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula governmental coalition formed to sustain and enhance rail service.

— Unanimously approved paying $150 in annual dues to the Upper Peninsula Association of County Commissioners.

— Noted that an appreciation day for newscaster Aaron Harper has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds.

— At the suggestion of Commissioner John Degenaer Jr., will present a letter of congratulations to the Iron Mountain High School boys basketball team, which reached the Division 3 state finals.