A longtime advocate for Lake Michigan harbors, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton yesterday released the following statement on the news that the President’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Proposal will include robust funding for Great Lakes Navigation Operations and Maintenance.
“ This is great news for our corner of the state. This funding is critical towards dredging, operations, and maintenance of the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph Harbor and the Holland Harbor ,” Upton said.
“ Ensuring our harbors remain open and ready for business is essential to jobs and economic activity up-and-down Southwest Michigan. I’m pleased to see the president’s budget proposal includes funding for these important infrastructure projects ,” he added.
“ From good-paying local jobs and commercial shipping, to the positive impact on our recreation industry – our harbors must remain properly maintained .”
According to the FY 2019 Budget Proposal, Great Lakes Navigation Operations and Maintenance is to receive $108.7 million, a $2.5M increase over last year.
Holland Harbor is to receive $600,000 and Benton Harbor/St. Joseph Harbor is to receive $1.5 million.