LANSING, MI - A plan to provide roughly $21 million for emergency dredging projects at Michigan harbors and marinas is nearing final approval in the state Legislature.

The funding plan is expected to help at least 49 projects in the state from Bay City to South Haven to Ludington to the Upper Peninsula. Harbors and marinas are struggling because of low Great Lakes water levels, and supporters say dredging is needed to keep tourism and commercial traffic on track.

Senate Bill 233 was approved in the House on Wednesday by a 107-3 vote. The bill returns to the Senate for a final concurrence vote, after which it would be headed to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature.

The bill would allocate money for emergency dredging projects for public

boating access sites, according to an analysis from the Senate Fiscal Agency. About $11.5 million comes from the state's general fund, and $9.5 million would be diverted from the state's waterways fund.

The bill also includes funding for Natural Resources Trust Fund projects.

The emergency dredging plan comes from the Michigan State Waterways Commission. The state surveyed 83 public recreational boating harbors in December and January to come up with the targeted dredging list. The plan allows for grants for harbors, marinas and boat launches.

The dredging program would involve the removal of accumulated sediments at the bottom of waterways to maintain adequate depth for shipping and boating.

There are other proposals aimed at funding dredging projects that could soon be taken up by lawmakers.

Email Tim Martin at tmartin4@mlive.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TimMartinMI