U.S. Rep. Fred Upton has sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) R.D. James asking to include critical operation and maintenance funding for dredging of harbors in Southwest Michigan.
As the U.S. Army Corps has already provided robust funding for commercial harbors such as St. Joseph Harbor for its dredging in Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, and 2019, the letter focused on allocating funds for recreational harbors in Saugatuck, South Haven, and New Buffalo Harbors.
“ The dredging of our harbors big and small is critical here in Southwest Michigan to recreation, economic activity, and jobs ,” said Upton . “ I’ve always fought for these funds which are so important locally. From good-paying local jobs, fishing, and fun – these recreational harbors need attention and I’m hopeful we can deliver. ”
Upton also added that currently, all three of these harbors require maintenance dredging that is necessary for maritime safety and to support the local economies. The last time the Corps completed maintenance dredging for all three of these harbors was in 2013.