GRAND MARAIS -- Grand Marais is the only harbor in the 90 miles between Whitefish Point and Munising.  It's why many consider it vital for recreational boating in Eastern Lake Superior.

So it was good news for residents when, at a meeting in March of 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said they could start building a new breakwater this summer.

"The last three boats that came in at the end of the season were damaged," said The Bayshore Market owner, Dave Bell, "and as word gets out, people stop coming here."

But according to Township Supervisor Jack Hubbard, the project remains at a standstill.  He's still awaiting final word from the Corps of Engineers.  In the meantime, sand continues to clog the harbor.  Township officials already spent $10,000 this spring digging some of it out, 10,000 yards of sand in all.

"We have no money left in the marina fund," said Hubbard.  "Without a breakwall, the harbor is going to fill in with sand.  It's questionable if we're going to be able to keep this marina open or not."

Right now the problem is two-fold:  funding and approval.  The Corps of Engineers has secured $1.8 million for the $8.5 million project.  Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Bart Stupak are all looking for more funding.  But first, the Corps of Engineers has to sign off on the the project, guaranteeing that it won't damage the environment.

Hubbard says the studies have been done, but the papers have yet to be signed.

So the question in Grand Marais is this:  which moves faster, sand or bureaucracy?