BENTON HARBOR, Mich., (August 20, 2021) - Cornerstone Alliance will provide a free water taxi service during Labor Day weekend, September 3-5, 2021. The water taxi will provide transportation throughout the harbor for locals and tourists alike. Stops include the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum, The Inn at Harbor Shores and Tavern on the River.

In addition to the water taxi service, Holt Bosse assisted Cornerstone Alliance in producing a wayfinding application that users can access by visiting ExploreMIShore.com on their mobile device. The app will suggest and provide navigation to restaurants to try and sites to see. It will also include the water taxi schedule to help plan daily activities throughout the holiday weekend.

“The water is one of the greatest assets in this community,” said Christina Frank, Vice President of External Affairs at Cornerstone Alliance. “A water taxi service will provide our local residents with a new opportunity to utilize the water as a means of transportation. It will enhance the accessibility, mobility and connection within the communities, and to businesses located within close proximity of the three stops. The water taxi and wayfinding app will make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the water as well as local restaurants, shops, and entertainment attractions. None of this would be possible without the collaboration with our partners."

Initially planned to launch in May 2020, this project is due to come to fruition and is a direct result of the ongoing collaboration between Cornerstone Alliance, the SWMI Cycle Boat, the City of Benton Harbor, the City of St. Joseph, the St. Joseph Improvement Association, Abonmarche Consultants, Roggow Construction, and Holt Bosse.

Brady Cohen, new Owner of the Corabelle II, introduced the Southwest Michigan Cycle Boat in 2019 and is excited to provide this extended opportunity to the community. “We’re thrilled to deepen our existing relationship with Cornerstone Alliance and believe that aligning our efforts will better serve the community and tourists.”