U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) successfully ensured critical operation and maintenance funding for the dredging of three Michigan harbors got included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ updated Fiscal Year 2018 Work Plan.
The Army Corps on June 11 posted its new Work Plan, which distributes the additional funding provided in the FY 2018 Omnibus bill, identifies the new starts and feasibility studies for navigation construction projects, and includes the allocation of more funds for recreational harbor dredging in southwest Michigan.
“These recreational harbors typically do not receive federal funding, so this is a major win for our region,” Rep. Upton said.
Under the new Work Plan, according to a statement released by the congressman’s office, Saugatuck Harbor/Kalamazoo River will receive $375,000 for dredging; South Haven Harbor is to receive $365,000; and New Buffalo Harbor stands to receive $275,000.
“Dredging is critical to tourism, recreation, economic activity, and jobs and we need to dig deep to protect what is the lifeblood of southwest Michigan,” said Rep. Upton.
The congressman first lobbied for the funds for all three of the harbors in an April 19 letter sent to R.D. James, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), explaining that they required maintenance dredging that was necessary for maritime safety, as well as to support the local economies.
Rep. Upton wrote in the letter that the required dredging for the harbors was “past due” and needed to be prioritized “to ensure the region does not suffer the consequences, including loss of jobs and loss of recreational, commercial, and charter fishing for thousands of people.”
Specifically, according to Rep. Upton, New Buffalo Harbor also is in dire need of the dredged material to be placed along the beach, where the shoreline has become severely eroded.
“The erosion is not only causing destruction to private property, but is also threatening the water supply for the City of New Buffalo due to its pump house located in the area being eroded,” Rep. Upton wrote in seeking funding for the projects in the 2018 Work Plan.
The congressman noted that he’s “always worked with our local leaders on issues like this,” and he said he’s “pleased we’re moving forward, delivering real results, and keeping our tourism industry booming.”
Another Michigan location, St. Joseph Harbor, already has been allocated $765,000 for commercial dredging, according to Rep. Upton’s staff.