Last month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Buffalo District awarded a $682,000 contract to Michigan-based Ryba Marine Construction Co. for the dredging of the federal navigation channel in Erie Harbor.
In 2021, the deep draft commercial harbor handled 787,000 tons of cargo. The majority was limestone, 52 percent; sand and gravel, 30 percent, and salt, 17 percent.
Dredging allows for the continued flow of commodities across the Great Lakes, ensures accessible depths for large vessels, and enables the economic viability.
Work on Erie Harbor is scheduled for mid-June through July and will focus on the lake approach channel and areas between the entrance piers. Approximately 100,000 cubic yards of material will be dredged and placed in an authorized open lake placement area.
“Lake Erie is a natural and economic treasure that serves as an integral part of Erie’s identity,” U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) said. “Through this work, we are supporting the use of the nation’s waterways and ports to strengthen supply chains, grow businesses, and improve the infrastructure of Lake Erie and our surrounding areas.”
USACE plans to dredge the harbor every three to four years if funding is available.
Waterborne transportation facilitated by Lake Erie supports $29.3 million in business revenue.