Michigan Congressman Fred Upton yesterday announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide an emergency $500,000 to dredge the St. Joseph Harbor.
The harbor, which is essential to jobs and economic activity in Southwest Michigan and across the state, needed the emergency funding to deepen the channel into the St. Joseph river.
Upton has been in close contact with local business leaders and Berrien County officials concerning the issue, and originally USACE had not planned any dredging this summer.
“This is welcome news for jobs, economic growth, and everyone who calls southwest Michigan home,” Upton said .
“The Harbor needs this emergency funding for dredging to ensure our harbors and communities remain open and ready for business. The Army Corps remains a strong partner in our efforts to support critical, pro-jobs efforts here in southwest Michigan.”
“I’d add that without the funding, additional sand and gravel required for the start of the final construction for the completion of U.S. 131 could well have been delayed yet another year as the Lake Michigan freight carriers told me they would not go beyond the Railroad Bridge without dredging. Bottom line – this announcement is a huge victory for the people of southwest Michigan.”
St. Joseph Harbor is located on the east shore of Lake Michigan, 60 miles easterly from Chicago, Illinois, and 24 miles southerly from South Haven, Michigan.