The Maui News - Ma‘alaea Small Boat Harbor is set to receive almost $30 million in long- and hard-fought state and federal funds to repair its decrepit facilities and infrastructure. The Hawai‘i State Legislature and Gov. Linda Lingle will dedicate $10.9 million toward the project as part of a greater effort to improve small-boat harbors across the state. The Federal Transit Administration is matching the state with another $18.6 million for improvements to everything from reconstruction of the ferry terminal building to installation of sewage pump-out stations. Engineering is already underway and construction should conclude in 2011, according to a Governor’s Office news release issued Wednesday, July 16. The Governor’s Office stated that the harbor improvements will increase ridership of the struggling ferry and reduce congestion at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor. Ma‘alaea and Lahaina are the only marinas for private boat owners to tie up to slips on Maui. “Ongoing investment in the repair and modernization of our small-boat harbor infrastructure will ensure the facilities are safe for boaters and commuters, and that our fragile marine environment is protected,” Lingle said.