HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Saugatuck Harbor and Kalamazoo River is slated for dredging this season, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers latest work plan.
Dredging Saugatuck’s recreational harbor dredging will cost $375,000, but it’s not the only Southwest Michigan site.
South Haven’s harbor dredging will cost $375,000; New Buffalo’s harbor will get a $275,000 project.
Prior to the Army corps of Engineers most-recent work-plan, officials had committed to St. Joseph’s commercial harbor, which will get a $765,000 dredging
“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. These recreational harbors typically do not receive federal funding, so this is a major win for our region. I’ve always worked with our local leaders on issues like this. I’m pleased we’re moving forward, delivering real results, and keeping our tourism industry booming.”
In April, St. Joseph-based Republican U.S. Rep. Fred Upton worked with Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) R.D. James asking to include critical operation and maintenance funding for the dredging of these specific harbors.
