Upton, Huizenga seek priority funding to dredge Michigan’s Holland Harbor

It is critically important that the necessary funds are prioritized to maintain the designed depth and width of a vital Michigan harbor, U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI) told the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

The lawmakers requested that the Corps include funding in its fiscal year 2020 work plan for dredging to properly maintain the infrastructure of the Holland Harbor, a deep draft commercial harbor and regional receiving port on the Great Lakes.

“Holland Harbor plays a key role in Holland, Ottawa County, and West Michigan’s economy,” Rep. Huizenga said. “With Congress authorizing additional funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain water infrastructure, adding Holland Harbor to the 2020 work plan would be a strong investment to ensure economic growth and opportunity reaches their full potential here in west Michigan.”

In a Jan. 9 letter sent to Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, chief of engineers and commanding general of the Corps, the congressmen pointed to the increased funding of $2.6 billion above the budget request for the Corps, which will help to maintain the nation’s water transportation and infrastructure.

“Holland Harbor is a vital part of West Michigan’s economy and is truly the lifeblood of our community,” wrote Reps. Upton and Huizenga. “We urge the USACE to provide funding to ensure that Holland Harbor continues to be an engine of economic growth and a source of recreational tourism for our community.”

More than 638,000 tons were transported in 2018 via Holland Harbor, with an estimated annual revenue of more than $117 million, according to their letter.

“These values increased substantially from years prior and future volumes are forecasted to continue to grow, resulting in an estimated $62 million increase in annual revenue by 2020,” the members wrote.