Gov. Linda Lingle has released $15 million for improvements to the Ma'alaea Small Boat Harbor and Hana boat ramp 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 in a news release.

The bulk of the money, $10.2 million, will be spent at Ma'alaea, the release said. The money will be used for sewage-pump-out and electrical upgrades, and reconstruction of a terminal for the Lanai and Molokai ferries, and other harbor infrastructure.

The work is expected to be finished by January 2011.

The rebuilding of the Hana Boat Ramp and Warf will cost $4.1 million. That work should begin in July and be done December 2010.