On Sturgeon Bays west side, a stretch of property along Nautical Drive was donated to the city more than 50 years ago. The waterfront, which currently looks rundown and is mostly asphalt, could be transformed thanks to a half-mi llion-dollar state grant.Watch below to learn more about the project and how neighbors are feeling about it: Sturgeon bay plans major waterfront upgrade with DOT and DNR grantsThe city over the last 20 years has reinvested heavily in its waterfront," Josh VanLieshout, Sturgeon Bay City Administrator, said.The city is planning a major upgrade, supported by state funding for waterfront projects.This little piece down here represents probably the last bit of that to be done, VanLieshout said.VanLieshout says the city has been exploring plans to renovate the public waterfront for the past four years.They came up with a plan," VanLieshout said. "The plan calls to relocate the small boat ramp that we have here, reconstruct a recreational dock, do some dredging, and work with the local Sail Training Foundation."The city received more than $518,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and nearly $188,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to support the waterfront reconstruction.VanLieshout says the total project is estimated to cost around $2 million.The DOT and DNR grants are expected to cover only part of the projects cost.The grants that we have will get us to just a tad under 50 percent," VanLieshout said.Next door is the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club, home to the Sail Training Foundation.A board member said that while the final design is still uncertain, he is excited to see the waterfront updated for public use.Were excited that theres going to be a park here," George Keeler, board member at the Sail Training Foundation, said. "Its going to be a nice area for people to relax."The city is still finalizing a concept design for the waterfront but hopes to begin construction next year, with an anticipated opening in 2028, with the goal of serving the community for the next 50 years. ...read more read less